SMOKED GOUDA AND APRICOT MELTS

GOUDA IS ONE OF THE OLDEST RECORDED CHEESES STILL BEING PRODUCED TODAY. THE FLAVOR OF SMOKED GOUDA PAIRS WELL WITH THE SWEET-TART DRIED APRICOTS.

START TO FINISH 25 minutes

• ½ cup dried apricots, snipped
• Boiling water
• ⅓ cup sliced, slivered, or chopped almonds, toasted (tip)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
• 8 slices marbled rye or hearty whole grain bread
• 2 Tbsp. apricot preserves
• 4 oz. thinly sliced cooked ham
• 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese (4 oz.)
• ¼ to ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray

1. In a bowl combine dried apricots and enough boiling water to cover. Let stand 5 minutes; drain. Stir almonds and green onions into drained apricots.

2. Spread four of the bread slices with apricot preserves. Top with ham. Top with the apricot mixture and cheese; sprinkle with pepper. Add the remaining four bread slices. Lightly coat outsides of sandwiches with cooking spray.

3. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches, half at a time if necessary, in skillet. Weight down with another skillet and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until bread is toasted. Turn sandwiches, weight down, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more or until bread is toasted and filling is heated through. MAKES 4 SANDWICHES.

PER SANDWICH 419 cal., 14 g fat (6 g sat. fat), 48 mg chol., 863 mg sodium, 55 g carb., 5 g fiber, 20 g pro.