Grilled Cheese Focaccia Dippers Sweet Tomatoes Recipes

GRILLED TOMATO AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Thinly slice the tomatoes and lay them on a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt and let sit to release any water, about 15 minutes. Pat dry.
• Lay out 4 slices of the bread on a work surface. Layer each with 2 slices of cheese, making sure that they cover to the edges. Follow with 2 slices of tomato and then 1 more slice of cheese. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread. Thinly and evenly spread the butter on both sides of the bread using about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter for each sandwich.
• Place 2 sandwiches into a nonstick medium skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the bread is evenly golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip, cover again and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is visibly melted, about 2 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.

FOCACCIA WITH SWEET ONION AND CAPER TOPPING

Steps:

• Mix the focaccia dough as directed and set in a warm spot to rise.
• Meanwhile, prepare the onion filling. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy lidded skillet. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until they soften, about 5 minutes. Add a generous pinch of salt, the capers, thyme and garlic, and turn the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently, stirring often, for 30 to 40 minutes, until the onions have cooked down and are very soft and lightly colored but not browned. They should taste sweet. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
• When the focaccia dough has risen, shape as directed into 1 large focaccia or 2 smaller focacce. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425 degrees, preferably with a baking stone in it.
• Dimple the dough with your fingertips and spread the onion mixture over the top in an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake, setting the pan on top of the baking stone (if using), for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bread is deep golden brown and bits of the onion topping are browned. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving, or allow to cool completely.

TOMATO & BRIE FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the water and 1/4 cup oil to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes., Preheat oven to 375°. Punch dough down. Press into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Cover and let rest 10 minutes., In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning and remaining oil. Spread over dough; top with cheese. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Place pan on a wire rack. If desired, serve with olive oil and red pepper flakes.

GRILLED CHEESE DIPPERS WITH SPICY TOMATO-CHEESE SOUP

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine condensed cheese soup and the shredded cheese. Spread mixture on baguette slices. Butter the outside of the sandwiches.
• Heat large frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes. Flip sandwiches and cook second side. Cover frying pan to ensure that the cheese melts. Serve as "dunkers" with mugs of Spicy Tomato-Cheese Soup.
• Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Heat thoroughly, over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Serve in mugs with Grilled Cheese Dippers.

GRILLED CHEESE FOCACCIA DIPPERS (SWEET TOMATOES)

Steps:

• 1. In a bowl, combine warm water with sugar and yeast. Whisk to dissolve sugar and yeast. Let stand for 2 minutes.
• 2. Place flour, salt and canola oil in the bowl of a stand tabletop mixer. Add the sugar-yeast mixture and mix for 3 minutes.
• 3. Divide the dough in half and form into two balls. Place the balls on a floured surface. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Stretch each dough ball to form a large oval shape and place on separate 9-by-13-inch greased baking sheets. Allow to stand again for 10 minutes at room temperature.
• 4. In a bowl, combine Ritz cracker crumbs, seasoned salt and 1/2 cup melted margarine or butter, and thoroughly mix. Set cracker mixture aside.
• 5. Coat each focaccia with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Layer on all the cheeses, splitting measurements between the two focaccias. Sprinkle crushed cracker topping over the top of each focaccia. Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crust is browned and cheese is melted.
• 6. Cut into dipping sized strips and serve with your favorite tomato soup! Enjoy!