Blueberry Grilled Cheese

April is national grilled cheese month!  How awesome is that?  A whole month that is strictly dedicated the amazing sandwich we all know and love, the grilled cheese.  Not that I ever need a reason to indulge in a grilled cheese sandwich, but it’s always nice to have an excuse every now and then.  Right?  Right!  Now, you didn’t think I would let the month of grilled cheeses April pass by without sharing some type fabulous grilled cheese recipe, did you?  Of course not! 

Again, not that I have to have a reason to indulge in foods, but it’s always nice to have an excuse and food holidays present that perfect opportunity to get in the kitchen and bake, broil, fry, saute or grill some wonderfully delicious food.  I mean, it would be an insult not to acknowledge a particular food during it’s special day or month.  We are going to end this week with a bang…and on a sweet note.  Yes, a sweet note.  A dessert grilled cheese!

In February we went to visit my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.  They had mentioned something about a restaurant that offered a menu full of grilled cheeses.  Yes, such a place does exist and we went there!  You know me, I love my ooey gooey, cheesy goodness; and trust me, my meal was delicious.  But as much as I like my savory, I LOVE my sweets.  When I opened the menu I saw a picture of a dessert grilled cheese; a rich yet light and sweet blueberry-mascarpone filling sandwiched between two layers of pound cake, grilled to perfection then dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with honey.  I knew I HAD to have this. I NEEDED this. So I got it.  Not only did it meet my expectations; it succeeded them.  The outside of the bread is slightly crunchy and toasted, while the inner layer of bread is soft, moist and fluffy.  The filling is sweet, but not overly sweet, and light and the fresh, sweet blueberries scattered throughout add a natural sweetness that compliments the filling perfectly.  The light dusting of powdered sugar lends another layer of sweetness, and the drizzle of honey pulls everything together, making this dessert perfect.  It’s sweet and indulgent, but surprisingly light. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the original blueberry grilled cheese I had at the restaurant, but I knew my enjoyment would be shortlived since we don’t have one of these fabulous restaurants in our town.  So what does every foodie do to ensure they are able to enjoy an appetizer, meal or dessert anytime they want?  Why take notes and re-create the dish, of course.  That’s exactly what I did with this dessert grilled cheese and I have to admit, I think my version is just as good as the original!  Now go ahead, go make you a meal full of grilled cheese goodness; being sure to end with this sandwich, of course!

Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

4 Thick slices pound cake, homemade or storebought
1/4 Cup blueberries
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 Cup mascarpone cheese
3 Oz cream cheese
1/2 Tbsp milk
4 1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar, plus more for topping
Honey, for drizzling

Directions:

Place mascarpone cheese and cream cheese in a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on medium beat the ingredients until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.  Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until incorporated.  Then add milk and beat until combined.  Mixture should be light and fluffy, spreadable but not runny.  If the mixture is too thin add more powdered sugar, 1/2 tablespoon at a time, if it’s too thick gradually add more milk until desired consistency is achieved.  Place in refrigerator and allow to chill.

Meanwhile, place a large skillet over low heat.  Spread butter on one side of each slice of pound cake.  Place cake, butter side down, on the hot pan and toast until until golden and slightly crispy.  Remove from pan, place 2 pieces of bread ,toasted side down, and then place desired amount of filling on the bread.  Sprinkle 1/8 cup blueberries onto the filling.  Top each sandwich with remaining toasted bread, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey.

Recipe source: inspired by  Hammontrees