Apricot Grilled Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Makes 10 to 12 servings

I know what you’re thinking: “Kent has lost his mind!” But if you like grilled cheese, give this a try because it will probably surprise you as much as it did my wife when I first put it together. Sometimes you have to think outside the box. I was looking through the pantry one day and saw a can of apricots sitting there. I knew apricots and brown sugar caramelize together, but I wanted something tangy and salty to pair with them, which is when I added the cheddar cheese.

• 1 stick butter
• 1 (15-ounce) can apricot halves, drained
• ½ cup light brown sugar, plus more for sprinkling (optional)
• 10 to 12 slices cheddar cheese, cut into 2-inch squares
• 10 to 12 slices French bread, ¾ to 1 inch thick

1. Melt ½ stick of the butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.

2. Roll both sides of the apricot halves in the brown sugar until coated. Add the apricots to the skillet, pitted side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened, and flip.

3. Place 1 slice of cheese on each apricot. Spoon the butter mixture from the skillet over the apricots. Keep spooning until the cheese melts. Remove the apricots from the skillet. Set aside.

4. Melt the remaining ½ stick butter in the skillet. Add the bread slices and sop both sides with the butter. Toast on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the skillet.

5. Top the bread with the apricots. Lightly sprinkle with brown sugar, if desired, and serve warm.