Source: Adapted from a recipe by Laura Werlin, author of Great Grilled Cheese: 50 Innovative Recipes for Stove Top, Grill, and Sandwich Maker (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, September 2004). 

This dish was prepared for a special CUESA cooking demonstration on October 15, 2009.

Cheddar and apple are a classic combination as are cheddar and ham. So why not combine America’s favorite cheese with apples and ham and grill them all together? I think you’ll like the results. Best of all, you need no special ingredients to make this homey taste sensation.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

8 slices sourdough, (or use 4 large round-loaf slices — about 1 ounce each — and cut in half crosswise
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
6 ounces medium or sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
4 ounces smoky ham, such as Virginia country ham, cut into 4 slices (or buy pre-sliced ham; if slices are quite wide, cut them in half crosswise)
1 small tart green apple (about 5 ounces), such as Granny Smith, seeded and cut into 1/8-inch thick slices

PREPARATION

1. To assemble sandwiches: Butter one side of each of the bread slices. Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on your work surface. Place the ham on the bread, folding it to fit the size of the bread. Follow with 4 to 5 apple slices, and then the cheese. Place remaining bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese. (If the sandwich seems quite thick, simply press it down to compress the ingredients slightly).
   
   
2. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Put the sandwiches into the pan, cover, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the cover and turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to flatten slightly. Cook for 1 minute or until underside is golden brown. Turn the sandwiches once more, press with the spatula again, cook for 30 seconds, and remove from the pan. Cut in half and serve immediately.