Roasted Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Who doesn't love a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?  Whether you're 5 or 55 years old, this sandwich is a staple and forever will be.  That's why I'm so excited April is National Grilled Cheese Month!    As a kid, while watching summer reruns of The Wonder Years, I had a grilled cheese sandwich almost everyday with a sliced up pear for lunch.  A bit neurotic?  Probably, but I've always been a creature of habit and I knew what I liked and stuck to it!  But back then, it was kept simple: wheat bread, American cheese, nothing else.  And it was simply delicious.  But as I grew up, my taste buds matured and I was eating any type of grilled cheese I could get my hands on... Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese, Pear and Brie Grilled Cheese, Nutella Grilled Cheese.... the options are endless.  So as a dedicated advocate and lover, I had to pay tribute to this well deserving food holiday and celebrate with an Italian twist.  Stuffed with roasted tomatoes, extra sharp cheddar cheese and then topped with grated Parmesan cheese, this is one satisfying meal, I must say.

What you'll need:

White Bread (GF Udi's White Sandwich Bread)

Margarine or Light Butter

Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Firm Vine Tomatoes sliced 1/4 in. thick

Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Kosher Salt

Crushed Black Pepper

Sugar

Parmesan Cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Place the tomato slices on a foiled lined baking sheet.  Drizzle them with a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Then sprinkle them with a pinch of kosher salt, pepper and sugar.  The sugar helps them to caramelize.  Put them in the oven for about 30 mins.  While those slightly cool, start putting together the sandwiches. In a medium size skillet over medium heat, place face down one slice of buttered bread.  Put a layer of thickly sliced cheddar cheese and then a layer of the roasted tomatoes.  Top it off with the other slice of buttered bread.  Flip it over when it's golden brown.  Brown the other side.  Remove from the pan and onto a plate.  While still hot, sprinkle the top of the sandwich with grated Parmesan cheese for a yummy salty bite.