Recipe: Apple, Ham and Cheddar on Sourdough (grilled cheese sandwiches)

APPLE, HAM AND CHEDDAR ON SOURDOUGH

2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices sourdough bread
1/4 pound smoky ham, such as Virginia country ham, cut into 4 slices (or buy pre-sliced ham)
small green apple (about 5 ounces), such as Granny Smith, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
6 ounces medium or sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

Butter 1 side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices on work surface, buttered side down. Place slice of ham on each bread slice, folding to fit if necessary. Top with 4 to 5 apple slices per sandwich, followed by cheese. Place remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered-side up. If sandwich seems quite thick, press it down to compress ingredients slightly.

TO COOK USING SANDWICH MAKER OR GEORGE FOREMAN GRILL:
Preheat sandwich maker and cook according to manufacturer's instructions.

TO COOK USING STOVETOP METHOD:
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Put sandwiches in skillet (in batches if necessary), cover and cook 2 minutes, or until undersides are golden brown and cheese has begun to melt. Uncover and turn with spatula, pressing firmly to flatten slightly. Cook 1 minute or until undersides are golden brown. Turn sandwiches again, press with spatula and cook 30 seconds, or until cheese melts completely. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 sandwiches
Source: Great Grilled Cheese by Laura Werlin and Maren Caruso