SAVOURY ULTRA CHEESE ON TOAST: frugal, easy, skinny option

Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Mustard & sesame seeds turn melted cheese from ordinary to sublime...

 Ultra Cheese on Toast: classic favourite with a savoury twist
  

Cheese on toast is a classic stand-by and in these unprecedented times, comforting and familiar.  Whether eaten as a substantial snack (a sandwich, lightly fried in butter until the choose melts and oozes from the sides) or as fat cheesy slices to accompany soups, toasted cheese will rarely be turned down.  

Even those who are cholesterol-phobic will happily take an occasional punt with 30% fat-reduced cheese.  

Right now, large blocks of well-known brands* of hard cheese are good value.  They freeze well, cut into smaller blocks, wrapped in grease-proof paper then tightly cling filmed and sealed in an air-tight sandwich bag.  For best flavour, defrost overnight before using.  

Any stale bread will be good in this recipe: ciabatta is a favourite but sliced bread, rolls or baps work well.  Served with sliced toms & a bit of greenery for a healthy balance of ingredients. 

Cost:  min £1
Serves: 1-2, or 2-4 as a side

Ingred: 
1 ciabatta or equiv rolla/baps, sliced lengthwise OR 2-4 slices of bread
3-5 oz grated cheese 
wholegrain or other mustard
sesame seeds (or pumpkin or any mixed)

Method:

1. Set oven to 180c/ 350F, gas 5 
2.  Ciabatta/rolls/baps: Slice in two vertically; toast  till golden; spread both halves with a thin layer of mustard
     Sliced Bread:  Toast lightly; spread one side with a thin layer of mustard
4. Place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper.
5. Cover the bread/ciabatta right to the edges with cheese. 
6. Sprinkle generously with sesame or chosen seeds.
7. Bake our air-fry 7-10 min or until cheese is bubbling and brown.

*Davidstow or Cathedral City for choice

Comment:
'Before I started worrying about cholesterol, this was a favourite snack.  It's so crunchy and oozy and good, I still treat myself occasionally with lower-fat cheese.' Retired writer

Notes:

• Cheddar is the usual choice but any hard cheese - grated or in slabs - will be fine.  Leicester, or Double Gloucester (with or without Chives & Onion) or waxy Swiss cheeses are good replacements.
• 30% fat-reduced cheese is usually the limit for taste but 50% fat reduced Cathedra City is surprisingly good melted.   
• For even more of a sassy flavour, serve with '67's's Onion Jam

This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.