Grilled Cheese sandwich
Ingredients:
For Bacon Jam
1 pound Smoked Bacon, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups diced onion
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
For Sandwiches
8 slices good quality white bread
butter
4 slices American cheese
4 slices Cheddar cheese
6 oz Brie cheese, sliced
Directions:
1. To make the Bacon Jam: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until browned and crisp. Drain on a paper towel drained plate. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the pot. Add in the onion and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the water, maple syrup, vinegar, brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the bacon back in. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 1-2 hours. If it gets too thick, add in a little more water. Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Pulse a few times to break it down into a spreadable consistency.
2. To make the Sandwiches: Butter the outsides of each of the pieces of bread. Place a slice of Cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 pieces of the bread. Spread some of the bacon jam on top of the cheese. Divide the Brie between the sandwiches and layer on top of the jam, followed by a slice of American cheese. Place the remaining bread on top of the cheese, buttered side out. Heat a griddle over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
This will make more bacon jam than you will need for these sandwiches. Save the remainder to top hamburgers or more grilled cheese sandwiches.