Bangkok Post

CHEESE SANDWICH SOUFFLE IS AN EASY WEEKNIGHT MEAL

Minimal preparatio­n ensures a slightly naughty treat

- By Sara Moulton

One time many years ago, I was rifling through my grandmothe­r Ruth’s box of handwritte­n recipe cards when I pulled up short at the sight of the title of this recipe for cheese sandwich souffle. Souffle? Fancy! But reading the details, I quickly understood that this item was nothing more or less than the wedding of a ham-and-cheese sandwich and some French toast. But that didn’t make it a souffle. It required no separating of eggs, nor any beating of egg whites. Once I actually made the recipe, however, the title didn’t seem like such a stretch. Fresh out of the oven, these sandwiches have puffed up in a very souffle-ish way. Similarly, they boast the moistness and airiness of a souffle.

But what I especially loved about the recipe was how ridiculous­ly easy it is to prepare, making it the ideal candidate for a weeknight meal.

Preparing this dish is so simple that you ought to consider inviting your kids to help. But whether or not the kids lend a hand, this sandwich will be even more attractive once the school year kicks in. Just know that you’ll have to plan ahead a bit; the sandwiches need to soak in the egg/milk mixture for a full hour before you pop them into the oven.

This recipe can be customised in all sorts of ways. You can swap out the ham for smoked turkey, prosciutto or your meat of choice. You can lose the gruyere in favour of provolone, cheddar, mozzarella or your favourite cheese. Vegetarian­s in the family? Say goodbye to the meat and hello to a hearty vegetable like grilled eggplant or sauteed Portobello mushrooms. Want to make a slimmer version? Use low-fat cheese and non-fat milk.

However you roll, all you’ll need to flesh out the meal is a side salad or vegetable. These sandwiches are very hearty.

 ?? PHOTO: AP ??
PHOTO: AP

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