Who could not like grilled bread with cheese oozing out? A grilled cheese sandwich is probably one of my favorites and as a child, I ate plenty of them. My father had an unusual way of making them using only one slice of bread.

Most grilled cheese sandwiches consist of two slices of bread and a slice of cheese. I have seen people make them that way and there is much more bread than cheese. Then they fry them in butter and the bread just seems greasy and some what soggy.

If you look at my photo, I take a slice of bread, toast it and then take a serrated bread knife and run the point of the knife around the edge of the slice of bread and cut it into two slices. It is amazing how easy this is to do, but you have to have the bread toasted. Place some cheese inside and then I spread just a little soft butter on each side and grill it in a hot pan for just long enough to melt the cheese. The sandwich comes out with a nice crisp bread and there is as much cheese as there is bread.

Bread. White bread is probably most popular since we always seem to have it around but you can use your imagination and try rye, pumpernickel, multi-grain, sourdough or even raisin bread. Slicing the raisin bread in half can be a bit tricky since you will probably bump into a raisin or two.

Cheese. Where do I begin? You can pick mild cheeses or go for some gusto with bleu cheese, pepper jack or Havarti. Also, American, cheddar, Swiss, provolone, mozzarella and brie (remove the rind) will also make a delicious sandwich. These are all good cheeses and will melt nicely in your sandwich.

The Filler. Here is where you can really jazz it up. You could add some thin slices of apple, bacon, chicken, beef, ham, onion, tomato, jalapenos or mushrooms. I have heard of potato chips as an add in, but I have never tried that.

With all these combinations of bread, cheese and fillings, you can experiment and come up with some wonderful sandwiches. Let your imagination go and have fun with these ideas.

Half the bread or double the cheese, you can have it, anyway you please!

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Bread, 1 slice or 2

Cheese

Filler – optional

Butter, softened

Toast the bread lightly and cut in half if desired. Place cheese and filling between the slices of bread. Spread some butter and grill in a medium hot pan until brown and cheese has melted.

Susan Lang makes greeting cards which are for sale at Stephen's Hair & Boutique located at 312 W. Mesquite Blvd. #12 in the Bull Dog Shopping Center. Each card is different and has a message sure to make you laugh and some also come with recipe cards. While you are there, grab a new outfit for dinner!