Grilled Cheese Sandwich

~Jean Hersholt and Shirley Temple in Heidi 1937~

Then he went up to the hearth, pushed the big kettle aside, and drew forward the little one that was hanging on the chain, and seating himself on the round-topped, three-legged stool before the fire, blew it up into a clear bright flame. The kettle soon began to boil, and meanwhile the old man held a large piece of cheese on a long iron fork over the fire, turning it round and round till it was toasted a nice golden yellow color on each side. Heidi watched all that was going on with eager curiosity. Suddenly some new idea seemed to come into her head, for she turned and ran to the cupboard, and then began going busily backwards and forwards. Presently the grandfather got up and came to the table with a jug and the cheese, and there he saw it already tidily laid with the round loaf and two plates and two knives each in its right place; for Heidi had taken exact note that morning of all that there was in the cupboard, and she knew which things would be wanted for their meal.

"Ah, that's right," said the grandfather, "I am glad to see that you have some ideas of your own," and as he spoke he laid the toasted cheese on a layer of bread, "but there is still something missing."

Heidi looked at the jug that was steaming away invitingly, and ran quickly back to the cupboard. At first she could only see a small bowl left on the shelf, but she was not long in perplexity, for a moment later she caught sight of two glasses further back, and without an instant's loss of time she returned with these and the bowl and put them down on the table.

"Good, I see you know how to set about things; but what will you do for a seat?" The grandfather himself was sitting on the only chair in the room. Heidi flew to the hearth, and dragging the three-legged stool up to the table, sat herself down upon it.

"Well, you have managed to find a seat for yourself, I see, only rather a low one I am afraid," said the grandfather, "but you would not be tall enough to reach the table even if you sat in my chair; the first thing now, however, is to have something to eat, so come along."

With that he stood up, filled the bowl with milk, and placing it on the chair, pushed it in front of Heidi on her little three- legged stool, so that she now had a table to herself. Then he brought her a large slice of bread and a piece of the golden cheese, and told her to eat. After which he went and sat down on the corner of the table and began his own meal. Heidi lifted the bowl with both hands and drank without pause till it was empty, for the thirst of all her long hot journey had returned upon her. Then she drew a deep breath--in the eagerness of her thirst she had not stopped to breathe--and put down the bowl.

"Was the milk nice?" asked her grandfather.

"I never drank any so good before," answered Heidi.

"Then you must have some more," and the old man filled her bowl again to the brim and set it before the child, who was now hungrily beginning her bread having first spread it with the cheese, which after being toasted was soft as butter; the two together tasted deliciously, and the child looked the picture of content as she sat eating, and at intervals taking further draughts of milk.

~excerpt from Chapter 2 "At Home with Grandfather" Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Some passages of books stay with me. Not verbatim, but the essence of the scene does. I always think of this one when I'm making grilled cheese sandwiches and I wonder how cheese would taste toasted over the fire. It all sounds so very cozy.

Now John and I seldom have differences of opinion or points of contention; however, one of them concerns the making of grilled cheese sandwiches. Seems that I have not been doing it quite up to his standards. Seems he grills all sides of the bread.  I decided to try it his way for my lunch yesterday.

My well seasoned griddle works great for grilling. Yes, the clock says three...a rather late lunch. I thought I could get away with a little bowl of tomato soup at noon, but by afternoon I was famished.

You can't tell from this photo, but both sides of the bread are buttered and the future inside is being grilled while the outside waits.

Oh, I forgot this other difference of opinion: I like American cheese and John prefers sharp, seriously sharp, cheddar.

I was being a good girl by having only half a sandwich, though I didn't skimp on the sharp, seriously sharp, cheddar.

Finished...it only took twice as long...

Hmmmm...he may have a point. The cheddar was delicious and the bread was so nicely grilled on all four sides. Well shoot! I hate learning new things. ☺

Do you like grilled cheese sandwiches? Do they have to be made a special way? What's your favorite cheese?

Sounds as if it would be a good day for grilled cheese in many parts of the country. Stay safe and warm and cozy.