A short note today about a subject that my daughter and I were discussing the other night.  She asked me how I could get her favorite grilled ham and cheese sandwich so very crisp without burning the butter in the pan.  After admitting that Old Dad had burnt a many a sandwich in the learning curve, I let her in on the secret.  Don't use butter!  If you just have to, mix it with oil.  I like olive oil because I like the taste.  I usually also add some Italian seasoning to the oiled bread before I put it in the pan.  That's right, oil the bread first.  Don't oil the pan.  This will help control the browning and allow you to peek at the sandwich to check doneness without introducing a whole lot more oil.  Just wait until it is the desired shade of brown and then turn it and do the same to the other side.  I promise that the insides will be all melty and done.  Match that with a great soup and you are in business!

Pura Vida