Recipe: The Perfect Grilled Cheese

On my last two visits to Las Vegas (which also happened to be my first two trips as an official vegan) I made a stop at Whole Foods for some essentials. In their Las Vegas store I happily discovered that they have an ordering counter for fresh food like pizza, sandwiches, stir-frys, etc. Both times I had a vegan grilled cheese that is to die for! I tried re-creating it myself and what resulted is a masterpiece. I now give you, the most amazing grilled cheese you'll ever eat...

I've found that the perfect grilled cheese is made by both stove and the microwave. <GASP!> I know, I know. It may sound sacrilegious but trust me. It's a surefire way to get both a perfect brown color AND melted cheese. Without the microwave I would always end up with burnt bread by the time my cheese melted. This recipe yields 3 sandwiches (or in my opinion, enough for 2 people. Haha). This is because I feel that 1/3 of a tomato and 1/3 of an avocado are the perfect amount to put on a sandwich. Feel free to adjust ingredients and/or measurements according to your own tastes if you'd like, but try it at least once without changes. It's phenomenal.  =)


6 slices of bread (I prefer whole wheat or whole grain)
Earth Balance
Daiya Cheddar Shreds
1 tomato
1 avocado
1 jalapeno pepper
Veganaise
Salt and pepper, to taste


Begin by preparing the jalapeno. Cut off the stem and then slice the pepper down the center to the tip. Remove the seeds and membranes. Cook the pepper in one cup of boiling water for 2 -3 minutes. Immediately drain and rinse in cold water. Drain and dry it off with a paper towel. Slice into small pieces and set aside.
*Remember to use extra caution when handling jalapenos!


Slice tomato and avocado into thin slices. Set aside.


Butter one side of each slice of bread with Earth Balance. Spray a griddle or large pan with non-stick cooking spray. Over medium heat place the bread in the pan, buttered side down. Spread Daiya Cheddar Shreds over three of the six slices. Once your bread has reached a golden brown color remove it from the heat. Place the slices with the cheese on it onto a plate.


Microwave the bread 15-20 seconds per slice (depending on your microwave) until the cheese is melted. Arrange each sandwich by piling on the tomato, avocado and peppers. Salt and pepper to taste. Microwave each assembled sandwich for about 10-15 seconds to warm the sandwich up. Remove the top slice and spread some Veganaise.


Slice in half and enjoy immediately.