Roasted Portobello & Spinach Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I'd been dreaming of a grilled cheese sandwich for a while now. Not literally, but figuratively.

During my sleep though, I never have ordinary dreams. Only over-the-top bizarre ones where I wake up wondering what in the world just happened. My dreams will start with one scenario but switch to different scenarios seamlessly. It's actually fun waking up and piecing things together. Like watching a movie with a random storyline which shifts and changes during the entire course with no purpose at all. I never remember my dreams beyond half an hour, but for that half hour, it's a thrilling ride to decipher what I dreamt about.

For the longest time, I had a recurring dream where I'd be all alone in a deserted place. The place resembled the house and colony we lived in at that time. I'd be running through the streets and eventually the house looking for someone, anyone. But, there would never be anyone. It was quite a disturbing dream, come to think of it. All I'm glad is that I don't have those anymore. Nowadays my dreams mostly revolve around friends and family and some random storyline. These I'm actually cool with.

But, even better than the real dreams are my dreams of a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. I'll take dreams of that ANY DAY. In fact, I pray for these grilled cheese kinda dreams to become real. Who wouldn't??

So, I made it happen. Be prepared to give your taste-buds an amazing treat with these because they're super-duper awesome! Trust me, I gobbled two whole sandwiches. *burp* And while you're grabbing yourselves some grilled cheese sandwiches, tell me if you've had any bizarre dreams or continue to have too. That's the best kinda grilled cheese conversation. ;)

Roasted Portobello Mushroom & Spinach Grilled Cheese Sandwich
(Makes 1 sandwich)


Ingredients and instructions:

• 1 large portobello mushroom, cleaned
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to season
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup spinach leaves, washed and dried
• Cheese(s) of your choice
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 2 slices of bread

Preheat oven to 425 deg F.

Place your mushroom dome-side up and drizzle or brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat on other side. Sprinkle the garlic over the mushroom gills. Place the mushroom, dome-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.

In the meantime, wilt your spinach in a covered pan over medium-low heat.

Once your mushroom is ready, start assembling your sandwich. Start with a layer of cheese on one slice of bread. Distribute the spinach evenly on top of the cheese. Place your roasted portobello mushroom in the middle. Top with another layer of cheese before covering it with the second slice of bread.

Heat a flat-bottomed pan on medium heat. Butter the top of the sandwich and place it buttered side down in the heated pan. While the first side is toasting, butter the top slice. Flip sandwich and brown the second side, too.

Cut in halves and serve.