National Grilled Cheese Day

I don't want to toot my own horn, but I think I'm a pretty good cook. In the last few years I've discovered a love for cooking and experimenting with food. My plan was to write about food when I started this Blog, but I got carried away and haven't expressed my passion for cooking as much as I could. I have mad love for the Food Network and all of their Chefs. Watching the Food Network to me is like watching old cartoons, it's comfortable, relaxing, and even re-runs are acceptable. You can bet the Food Network is always on in my house, even if I'm listening to it from another room. If I am yet to make my point... I could watch hours upon hours of cooking shows, it's been known to happen on a rainy afternoon or better yet, a Friday night. Most people would love to tour a Law & Order set or be an audience member on a talk show, but my dream is to go to Kitchen Stadium and watch an Iron Chef competition. My Bucket List consists of visiting some of Guy Fieri's Diners Drive-Ins and Dives and visiting Restaurants as seen on TV. See? Totally obsessed.

This is Chuck. He owns Garde-Manger, a sexy Restaurant in Old Montreal that I hope to visit someday. He is one of my favs. Aside from being super cute with really fun tattoos, he is creative and always manages to pull of easy, but fancy comfort food dishes that can be prepared at home.

Chuck's TV show Chuck's Day Off is based on his day off where he opens the Restaurant to, and cooks for friends, co-workers, and people that make an impact on his life.  An updated soundtrack is assigned to every episode promoting new music, always adding a new song or two to my iPod! Chuck's Day Off is all around yummy, watch it!

The recipes I shared below were pulled from an episode where, after spending time in a Hospital Chuck treated the staff to a meal inspired by Hospital cafeteria-comfort food classics.

I followed his recipe at home and loved it, so I thought I'd share it with you today on NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE DAY! Enjoy!

Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

(Serves 4)

Caramelized Onions:

Slice 3 large onions and fry in a pan with 2 tbsp of Olive Oil for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper.

Grilled Cheese:

• 8 thick slices, loaf of bread
• Butter                      
• 2 cups of grated old cheddar cheese 
• Salt and pepper

Generously butter both sides of each bread slice. In between two bread slices, pile caramelized onions in between two layers of cheese. Heat a pan on medium low heat. Grill the sandwiches until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve with Chuck's Creamy Tomato Soup below!

Creamy Tomato Soup

(Serves 4)

    You Will Need:               

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 
• 1/2 cup water 
• Parmesan rind (Optional)
• 4 sprigs of thyme
• 1/4 cup of 35% cream 
• 2 tablespoons butter 
• Salt and pepper                                  

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and continue to cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Add tomatoes and sugar and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Add water, Parmesan rind and thyme. Cook for about 25 minutes.
2. Remove the Parmesan rind and the thyme. Purée the soup in a food processor or with a hand blender. Pour purée through a strainer over a pot. Stir in the cream and butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Garnish:

• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Chives, chopped