Photography by Donovan Roberts Witmer
Nothing says cold weather comfort like an ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich. Pair it with a piping-hot bowl of tomato soup, and you’ve got something that will make you forget the wind chill altogether. Here’s an idea: let’s give this classic an unexpected (and local!) update. Read along for seven translations of our favorite blue-plate special.
The Apple Picker: sourdough + sharp cheddar + sliced apple + apple wood smoked bacon + Dijon mustard (photographed)
*Local tip: Pick up your apple wood smoked bacon from your nearest S. Clyde Weaver location.
The Perfect Pear: French bread + brie + sliced pear + toasted walnut + honey
*Local tip: Grab your honey from Wampler’s Honey in Manheim.
The Touchdown: jalapeno cheddar bread + Monterey Jack + Gorgonzola + shredded chicken breast + buffalo wing sauce
*Local tip: Try Mussoline’s European Bakery in Lemoyne for their jalapeno cheddar bread.
The Mobster: Ciabatta + mozzarella + sliced meatball + prosciutto + marinara sauce + basil leaves
*Local tip: Don’t miss the mozzarella fromCaputo Brothers Creamery in Spring Grove.
The French Onion: baguette + Gruyere + caramelized onion + thyme leaves
*Local tip: Get your Gruyere from Lancaster’s Hope Springs Farm.
The Popper: Onion and cream cheese bread + cream cheese + Monterey Jack + grilled jalapeno + green onion
*Local tip: Try Bella Torta Bakery in Lemoyne for their onion and cream cheese bread.
The Home on the Range: challah + sharp cheddar + pepper jack + caramelized onion + barbecue sauce
*Local tip: Go for the Honey Barbecue Sauce from Torchbearer Sauces in Mechanicsburg.
