I know I didn't really mention it but when I went to visit Tallahassee last week, I also went to see my Grandma who has Alzheimer's and is living in an assisted living facility down there.
During college, I spent a lot of time with my Grandparents; from Sunday meals to running errands around town. But after my Poppy died during my sophomore year, I sort of became of my Meme's caretaker. It got hard after he passed. They had been married for almost 60 years, and it seemed as if her mind couldn't really deal with it. She began to forget things and the doctor told us that she was displaying early signs of Dementia. At first we laughed about her using sugar instead of salt in her tomato gravy and rice, but it got to the point where she needed some serious help and unfortunately, I was planning on moving to New York for grad school that same summer. The decision to leave was really hard, but luckily, I had my amazing uncle there to help as much as he could. After I left, the inevitable happened, the disease got a hold of her and was she diagnosed with Alz.
I'm not going to put on a front and say it was lovely and wonderful seeing her last week because it wasn't. It was really, really, really freaking hard. I mean, luckily, she still remembers all of us, but it's not the same. She's not really there and she knows it. It's tough seeing her like that. And because of it, I wanted to make a post to celebrate my Meme by commemorating her amazing hospitality and love. This little snack was something that she'd whip up, pop in the oven, and then forget about it for the next few minutes while she caught up with me. It was also perfect for times when I brought over my starving college friends, because she could fill a whole baking sheet and not have to tend to the frying pan like with traditional grilled cheese sandwiches. Honestly, she's the best, you'd love her...even when she gets a little sassy...and she does get a little sassy.
As I mentioned before, those iconic ingredients are:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of lite boule or some white bread
- ½ cup of shredded fontina
- 1 giant beefsteak tomato slice
- 1 tablespoon of herbed butter
(combine 1 tablespoon salted butter with ½ teaspoon herbs
de provence)
My entire family is obsessed with butter. I'm not kidding, not even a little bit. I once saw teeth marks in a tub of I Can't Believe it's Not Butter. Who does that?? I still think it was my Dad but he'll never fess up. But yeah, my mom always bought that kind because if we had the good stuff in our fridge, it would be devoured, along with every single piece of bread or cracker in the house. But before I gross you out any longer...
To begin, go ahead and butter your bread with some delicious herbed butter. Feel free to mix up with anything you'd like; garlic or thyme-infused butter would work wonderfully.
During the next step, you'll want to preheat your oven to 450°. Then put the bread, butter side down, onto a baking sheet. Then sprinkle it with fontina cheese. My Meme always used government cheese cheddar but I just did cheddar in last week's post so I wanted to switch it up.
Next, you'll want a nice thick slice of tomato to lay down right in the middle of the sandwich. Sometimes Meme would salt and pepper it, but I never knew when to do that so I left it out. Whenever I tried , it would always come out too salty. I guess she just had some sort of magic touch.
When it's all built, go ahead and place the baking sheet on the middle rack for about six and a half minutes. This will give you ample time to pour someone a sweet tea and bring them a cookie.*
And then when it's all bubbly and golden, take it out and fold the two pieces together to make a sandwich.
Give it a second to rest because if you cut it right away, the tomato will slip out and burn your chin. I'm speaking from experience, of course.
I know that Meme will probably never see this because I don't think she even knows what the internet is, but at least I can share it with all of you. I know Alz can be hard, but it's best to treasure the good times and this sandwich definitely helps me do that. It reminds me of being a little kid and sitting in her kitchen while she helped me with ALL of my problems. As I ate this after I shot it, I got a little teary eyed because I wish I could have been eating it with her. I know she probably feels the same way.
And if you're feeling generous, th
e Alzheimer's Assocation is a wonderful not-for-profit group that would love your help to keep fighting the memory loss battle. And for those of you who are struggling with the same thing, stay strong and keep loving! Hopefully there will be a cure soon.
xoxo,
GCS
Stacy
Just found your blog and have spent the last two days (on and off) looking through all of your posts and bookmarking all of the ones I absolutely *must* try ASAP. Grilled sandwiches of any kind are my favorite form of sustenance, and your incredible recipes excite me to no end. I also love your stories and earnest voice. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Adrui Vargas
This sandwiches looks so delicious.. I love melted cheese! 🙂
Sonja
The sandwich looks wonderful! But what I really loved was your heart toward your grandmother. Isn't Alzheimer's horrible! We've already had several older ones in our family who have had it.
Your grandmother would be proud of her grandaughter!
Anonymous
Your story touched me! Thanks for sharing your amazing story and tasty grilled cheese.
hathaway washington perry
your post really hit home for me as i lost my nan to alzheimers earlier this year. she was a tough old bird with a penchant for baking that none could match. no matter what tasty delights she put in front of me, nothing was as good as her simple grilled cheese. i've tried everything to recreate her crusty, cheesy creations to no avail. there was something about the extra dash of love that made them special. thanks for the story and for the recipe!
Sydney
MMMMMMM!!! this looks so so good!!!! I will have to try making this one of these days! Love grilled cheese in all its forms!
http://fromsaucewithlove.wordpress.com/
beckymonster
I just ate dinner and my mouth is watering from these pictures! looks delicious..guess I know what I'm having for dinner tomorrow.
Marni Jay Rolfes
I love you and your meme! Sissy sis you the besty best xoxoxo
Sarah Drew
just had an early morning cry. meme's so cute. and i wish i had experienced a real grandma 🙁 and damn this sammy looks so delicious. (i'm listening to nevermind so i should get through this)
The Tame Lion
Delightful! Yummy! Wow!