Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Part 2 of 2 - Gruyère, Pancetta & Pear

This is the second in a two part series about the grilled cheese sandwich. Click here if you want to read about the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

As I mentioned, today's grilled cheese adds some pizazz to the classic sandwich. I came up with this combination after trying to find something to pair with the tomato bisque that wasn't processed American cheese. I did some quick recipe searching and came across this little melt from Simply Recipes.

I improvised a bit based on what I had and while at first it might sound like a weird combination, it turned out to be a great mix of salty and sweet. Just ask Ashley, the grilled cheese expert and top critic.

French Onion Soup

I love French Onion Soup. It is one of those little comforts that hits the spot on those days when you need something to warm you up. While the weather has not been conducive to hot soup lately, I was still craving this stuff and so I cooked up a batch.

What's interesting about French Onion Soup is that it has quite a history. Originating back to ancient Rome, onion soups were plentiful because onions are cheap and easy to grow. The modern form of the soup emerged in 18th century France and was widely seen as a food for poor people (take notice college kids). Finally, the soup was revitalized in the 1960's in the United States due to an increased interest in French cooking.

Ashley's Baked Macaroni & Cheese

I want to make no bones about this dish, this is not my recipe as if the title wasn't clear enough. I was given this recipe by Ashley and told to make it. So I did. I know my place.

Recently, Mike and I were having a conversation about macaroni and cheese and how difficult it actually is to make because there are so many permutations and it is one of those comfort foods where you like it your way and that's it.

Period.

End of story.

Something could be cooked by the ten best chefs in the world and it wont be like Grandma's Mac & Cheese. With that caveat in mind, the recipe below is a baked macaroni and cheese, highlighting Sharp Cheddar and Gruyère, with a small kick to give it some attitude.