Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese Recipe: A Taste of Tradition for This Season

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Delving into unique stays is undeniably a passion of ours. Yet, amidst the exhilarating chaos of travel, there are moments when the solace of our own space becomes an irresistible necessity. Situated just a stone's throw from the heart of Montreal, a three-story gem awaits—a home with a touch of retro charm seamlessly intertwined with contemporary allure. This residence reflects the trendsetting and effortlessly cool taste of François Robidoux-Descary, co-founder of Production Bien Joué, a renowned video production studio celebrated for its distinctive content crafted with a refined yet refreshingly unique perspective. His unique, cosy home, boasting high ceilings and a kitchen adorned with expansive windows, exudes character, embodying his creative spirit. A few encounters with François unveil his penchant for the effortlessly chic "90s daddy" aesthetic—a unique choice that, against all odds, exudes undeniable charm and establishes him as a tastemaker with a distinctive approach to style.

Culinary Nostalgia

Influenced by the retro aesthetics of this house, a yearning for traditional flavours reminiscent of times gone by overcame us. Opting for a simple yet reimagined grilled cheese felt like the ideal decision as autumn takes centre stage and winter approaches. The irresistible charm of snuggling at home with a steaming cup and comforting fare is heightened by the inviting ambiance of this house, making it the perfect place to indulge in such seasonal delights. Following the introduction of our quintessential autumn cream soup—rich with mushrooms and the exquisite essence of truffle oil—pair it with an elevated rendition of the classic grilled cheese. The humble grilled cheese sandwich, a simple yet cherished comfort food, boasts a long history of bringing satisfaction to people worldwide. Today, it continues to hold a special place in countless households, symbolising comfort and simplicity. Moreover, it serves as inspiration for gourmet variations found in restaurants, continually revisiting this timeless classic.

Our fondness for mushrooms prevailed, inspiring us to present our beloved, mouthwatering mushroom grilled cheese. Cooked with an assortment of local cheeses, garlic, and shallots, this creation is easy to make and embraces the colder days perfectly. Shallots, known for their milder and sweeter flavour compared to regular onions, offer a subtle, delicate taste with a hint of garlic, creating an impeccable pairing with an array of mushrooms. To reach perfection, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried or fresh thyme are added, ensuring a flawless blend. Between slices of delightful Multi-Grain Nut Bread or your bread of choice, this creation makes for the perfect grilled cheese.

Though the recipe is relatively straightforward and allows for some creative experimentation, it serves as a delightful way to impress guests, especially on short notice. Our top recommendation is to initially follow the recipe as is and then make slight adjustments during the cooking process. The flavour will naturally vary based on the freshness of ingredients and the chosen method for preparing the vegetables. Nevertheless, the beauty of grilled cheese lies in their forgiving nature; they seldom go awry, unless, of course, they are burnt.

A few tips before diving in:

• Opt for a quality bread with thick slices to achieve that extra crispiness.

• When toasting the grilled cheese, employ a blend of butter and an oil of your choice. Avocado oil, with its higher heat tolerance, comes highly recommended.

• The choice of local, high-quality cheese undoubtedly makes a significant difference. For those fond of cheddar, select an aged variety for a more pronounced and simply superior taste.

• Elevate your grilled cheese by incorporating a mix of different mushroom varieties; it adds that extra touch of sophistication.

Ingredients

Quantities in this recipe are a bit fluid, as we prefer to approach it with a touch of culinary "accapella." Nevertheless, here's our personalised recipe:

• 350 grams of sliced mushrooms (a delightful mix of Cremini, Portobello, and Oyster varieties).

• 4 garlic cloves for an intensified garlic essence.

• 2 to 3 shallots, adjusted based on their sizes.

• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme, or a combination of both for a harmonious flavour.

• 1 teaspoon of butter.

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or another variety of your choice.

• Freshly ground salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Preparation

1. In a heated frying pan with your preferred oil, add mushrooms, garlic, and shallots, keeping in mind that mushrooms tend to release a substantial amount of liquid. Ensure your frying pan is adequately heated before incorporating them.

2. As your filling approaches readiness, sprinkle in the thyme, salt and pepper and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. For an extra kick, you can also introduce some chili flakes. Remove from the heat.

3. Slice the cheese of your choice into moderately thin pieces to ensure easy melting. While grated cheese is an option, it doesn't quite elevate the experience in our personal opinion. Cheeses we recommend: La Religieuse from Fromagerie du Presbytère, Le Secret and Le Migneron de Charlevoix, both from Famille Migneron. Oka Original from Fromagerie d’Oka, Le Saint-Honoré Brie Triple Crème from Fromagerie Alexis de Portneuf

4. Add a blend of oil and butter to your pan, and toast each side of your grilled cheese until the bread achieves a golden colour. To ensure the cheese has sufficient time to melt, moderate the heat to prevent burning the bread without the cheese fully melting and becoming ready.

To savour the Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese, pair it with a serving of creamy truffle mushroom soup and a cocktail from 1 or 2 Cocktails.