Fall is my favorite season here in the US because it’s the beginning of “snuggle weather”, apple cider, pumpkin pie, and the most decadent grilled cheese sandwiches. As a child, grilled cheese sandwiches were a fast and easy warm bite. As an adult, they’ve become decadent and everyone knows that a little decadence can be good for the soul and other things every now and again {wink}.

I came across this recipe on Foodie Crush and I think my stomach growled when I did. I’m addicted to eating pears with Havarti cheese. You all can have your “smellier the better cheese” however when it comes to cheese and pears, Havarti does the trick. Havarti is never over powering and allows the texture and flavor of the pear to still be present. If you’ve never tried it you must. I’ve turned a few friends on to it and they are definitely smelly cheese lovers, and yet they enjoy this delicious delight. Now some wonderful person decided that this pair should meet on brioche drizzled with rosemary honey and then grilled. Sweet goodness, that is a little heaven on earth for your taste buds!

P.S. I tried this dish at home and it was delicious. Make sure you are very hungry; this is not for those just wanting a little something to nibble on. Bon mange!

 

serves 4

3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
8 slices challah bread or brioche
2 tablespoons raspberry or strawberry jam
8 slices fresh pear
16 slices Havarti cheese
1 egg, whisked
1 tablespoon milk

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add honey and rosemary and stir until blended. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. On each slice of 4 slices of bread layer 1/2 tablespoon raspberry jam, 1 slice of cheese and 2 slices pear. Drizzle with honey and top with 1 more slice of cheese and remaining bread slices.

3. Heat a skillet on medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.  In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and milk together. Dip composed sandwiches in egg mixture, add to skillet two sandwiches at a time and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until bread becomes golden and cheese starts to melt. Flip sandwich once and cook until cheese melts and bread becomes golden, another 3-4 minutes. Repeat with additional sandwiches. Cut in half and serve hot. YUM!