This recipe is best made with the darkest rye you can find (it really sets off the Swiss Cheese)....but I've made them on simple pumpernickel in a pinch. This is one of those meals that is great for our half veggie/half carnivore family, because I just add a bit of pastrami to the carnivores' and leave the veggie ones without...or sometimes throw in some avocado for added yumminess. We had these last night with Cream of Zucchini soup and Oven Potatoes (recipes for another day).
Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
1/4 cup pesto for grilling
2 pieces of dark rye bread per sandwich
3 slices of swiss cheese per sandwich
1-2 slices of tomato per sandwich
1-2 slices of pastrami per sandwich for the carnivores
avocado (optional)
Spread a thin layer of pesto on both pieces of bread and place pesto side down on a skillet at medium high heat. Layer the swiss cheese (divided between the two slices of bread). Add the tomatoes to one side, and then the pastrami or avocado. Put both halves together and grill, turning occasionally until the cheese has melted and you have a nice crisp toast. I usually add a dab more pesto to the top piece of toast when I'm done. It gives it a little more depth of flavor and adds a nice fresh green finish. Serve warm.
edit: There is going to be a Grilled Cheese Pageant over at happypanini.com If you have a great grilled cheese sandwich recipe you should submit it here. Don't worry, I'm not soliciting votes, the winner is randomly picked. She's going to start parading the sandwiches on Tuesday, April 20...so make sure to check out her site for more great grilled cheese recipes.
