I had a goal this weekend of finishing my Christmas shopping, but instead I spent it with friends…which was way way way better. I probably would have taken any invitation to do or go anywhere…anything to keep me away from the mall and the horrid Christmas crowds.
Saturday I went to an old factory in Lakewood …Today it is referred to as The Screw Factory but its original purpose was to house the production of automobiles and did so from 1918 to 1924. It is one of those 3 or 4 story brick buildings with a million glass windows…a nearly century old brick building that looks worn out form time and abandoned by life. The floors are wooden and scarred and bruised. I noticed the floors and fell in love with them….just plain ole worn out, it just gets me. And the windows….so much glass, covered with dust and time. Windows that allow fantastic filtered natural light to stream into each art studio…which is what the old factory now contains. Individual art studios fill the empty space, giving it a new purpose. Breathing life into old.
It is also a space to hold a one day only event where local craftsmen/women are able to come and present and sell their goods/art/jewelry/jam….
Last Minute Market. Have you ever shopped on Etsy? I am sure you have…Last Minute Market was like a pop-up Etsy shop. It was awesome, seeing how I spend a lot of my time searching the pages of Etsy for unique jewelry, handbags, and art…this was just the place for me. While I didn’t buy anything, mainly because I couldn’t decide on which copper/turquoise necklace I wanted, it was awesome to see all the talent that is in and around Cleveland.
And did I mention the old wood floors? I think I might have. I want old floors. So much cozier and warm and inviting than shiny freshly polished wood floors. I like old things. Things that are slightly tarnished with time and experience. Scratches and dents that tell a story.
OK, enough about old buildings and floors. And enough about Christmas shopping, or the lack there of. How about dinner?
A quick dinner is needed this time of year. A hot, grilled sandwich has been on my menu these past few weeks. Between work, Christmas parties, cookie swaps, and late night shopping…who has time to cook?
But I bet you have an apple, sliced turkey, a bit of cheese, grainy mustard, and some crusty bread. Staple items that, when thrown together, makes for a quick dinner on the go. One that is filling and feels a tad bit luxurious. Way better than any take-out or hot sandwich from Panera.
In a hot cast iron skillet (or any skillet, really, but read how I like old things…cast iron skillets totally fall into that category…even though I bought mine from Target…it feels old, and that is what counts)….in this skillet, layer bread, buttered side down, mustard, cheese, apple, turkey, apple, cheese….that simple.
Top it with another slice of buttered bread. Don’t get skimpy on the butter…it is winter, we are wearing sweaters. More butter is allowed.
Flip it when it is toasty and brown and the cheesy starts to melt. This sandwich is no joke.
Slice in half … even if you have no intention of sharing, which I don’t recommend. Who shares cheesy melty toasted grilled sandwiches? No matter how much I say I like you or even love you…you will never get half of my sandwich. I will show you to the kitchen…I might even make you your own, but sharing mine? Not gonna happen.
| Apple Turkey Melt |
- 2 Slices of thick cut crusty bread ( sourdough is great)
- 1 Tablespoon Grainy Dijon Mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 Ounces Gouda Cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/2 Apple, cored and thinly sliced (granny smith)
- 3 to 4 Slices Turkey (deli or roasted)
- Heat skillet over medium-low heat.
- Spread half of the butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread in heated skillet, buttered side down. Spread half of dijon mustard on the side of bread that is facing up.
- Layer half of the cheese and sliced apples onto the dijon mustard followed by the turkey slices. Then layer the remaining apple and cheese on top of the sliced turkey.
- Spread the remaining dijon mustard on the second slice of bread and place bread, mustard side down, onto the sandwich. Buttered side will be facing up.
- Cook sandwich on medium low heat until bread becomes lightly toasted and golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. About 5 to 8 minutes per side. If the bread begins to brown too fast, reduce temperature.
Fork Vs Spoon 
Oh my goodness! I rarely crave sandwiches, but you’re making me want to whip up some bread and make this right now, even though it’s only 8 in the morning!
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I bet the melty cheese had something to do with it! I wish I never craved sandwiches…they might fall just behind pizza and brownies in the running of my favorite foods
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