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One Thanksgiving weekend a couple of years in the past, my ever-so-slightly aggressive household received snowed in—and naturally we would have liked to eat. With bread and cheese aplenty, we started a extremely aggressive grilled cheese contest. Every of us grabbed add-ons from the pantry and fridge, then received griddling. I can’t bear in mind who got here out on high—largely as a result of it wasn’t me—however truthfully, everybody’s a winner whenever you get to pattern a number of grilled cheeses. Better of all? It’s an important celebration theme for an all-ages cling.
1. Soup’s On
Inform your mates that you just’ll present the tomato soup and bread, however they’re in control of their cheese and different fixings. Miraculously, you’ll solely want one pot to drag this off: This Staub Cocotte that comes with a grill pan within the lid. Wonderful, proper?
2. Assume Huge
Picture by James Ransom
I’m going to be trustworthy: You’re not going to win this celebration with a couple of slices of American cheese and white bread. As a substitute, go massive with elements reminiscent of smoked gruyère, caramelized onions, Kewpie mayo, bacon, spinach, or like Ruth Reichl, a clove of garlic, plus shallots, leeks, and onions.
3. Set the Desk
No have to assemble an elaborate tablescape. As a substitute, stack your bowls close to the cocotte and let company serve themselves when it’s time to get to dunking. Preserve spoons close by, however know that it is a little bit of an off-the-cuff affair, and if a slice of tacky bread acts as silverware, so be it.
4. Spice Issues Up
Don’t let the sandwiches have all of the enjoyable. This spicy tomato soup comes collectively in a snap, will get its warmth from pink pepper flakes, and solely takes a half hour to place collectively.
5. Play Extra
As soon as the cooking competitors dies down, you’ll want a option to deliver it again. I say that is the time to settle right into a board sport that’ll get the group going once more.
6. Sweeten Up
Picture by Rocky Luten
This isn’t the time to go for a heavy dessert, and but—chocolate could be a very good complement to all that cheese. Break up a fancy small-batch bar, and go it round on a fairly plate.
Which grilled cheese combo would take residence the win at your gathering?
