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.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Part 1 of 2

This is the first of a two part series about the grilled cheese sandwich.

This series is actually inspired as an accompaniment to my recent tomato bisque. What else goes better on a cold, brisk November morning (unless you are in the Bay Area in 2010, I mean really, 85 degrees in mid-November?) than a steaming bowl of tomato soup paired with a fresh grilled cheese sandwich.

Part 1 will just go over the classic ol' American comfort food, while Part 2 will broaden your horizons of what can be considered a "grilled cheese sandwich." In addition, this will be a great lead-in to the upcoming round table by the Men of Real Men Bake and their recent Foodie Adventure at the Street Fixe: The "Wiches."

Chicken Po'Boy on Garlic Bread

This is one of my favorite go-to dishes for an easy and tasty meal. It is a take on Emeril's Shrimp Scampi Po-Boy on Garlic Bread. I was given this recipe by Natalie for my Super Bowl Party menu. At the Super Bowl Party, I followed the recipe with shrimp and it was a hit.

I wanted to make it again for someone that missed out the first time but they are not a huge fan of shellfish. This is what led me to try a different protein: chicken. I modified the recipe slightly for chicken and out came a sandwich that is just amazing. This is the type of food that goes quickly amongst leftovers in the fridge...that is if it makes it to leftover status.

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are definitely a "kids" treat. They make you happy, reminiscence over times once enjoyed and are just fun. Hey, it's a mix of cookies and ice cream, who wouldn't like it? If you do, then "you are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity" (Bonus ice cream sandwiches for naming the quote).

I first made these little gems for my Super Bowl Party this past year and they were a huge hit. It is amazing how something super simple can make a big smash with people. Plus with something like a Super Bowl Party where finger foods are a must, these really add to the atmosphere.

The recipe is simple: you need cookies and ice cream. After the break I'll have some helpful tips on making the ice cream sandwiches but it's hard to go wrong.