Smushing a cheese sandwich in the pan leaves you with a crisp outside and gooey inside, says Mark Bittman in his cookbook “How to Cook Everything Kids.” You will need a couple cans from the pantry or a small heavy pot for this one. GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH Makes: 1 sandwich Time: 5 minutes Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil 2 slices any bread (about 1/2 inch thick) 1/3 cup grated (or 1 or 2 slices) melting cheese (like cheddar, Jack or Swiss; about 1 ounce) Directions Put an 8-inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter or oil.
Make a sandwich with the bread and cheese. Try to keep the cheese in an even layer not too close to the crusts of the bread. When the butter melts or the oil is hot, put the sandwich in the skillet.
Set a small plate on top of the bread and weigh it down with the cans or heavy pot. Adjust the heat so the butter or oil sizzles without burning. Cook until the bottom of the bread smells like toast and is lightly browned and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.
Take all the stuff off the sandwich, slip a spatula underneath, lift it off the pan and turn it over. Swoosh the sandwich around in the pan to sop up all the butter or oil. If you want the sandwich even flatter, pile the plate and cans back on.
The other side will also take 2 to 3 minutes to brown. Use the spatula to transfer the sandwich to a plate. Wait a minute for the cheese to cool and set, then dig in.
Eat with Pickles, raw vegetable sticks, salad, a creamy tomato soup or chips Variations .