A Aggressive Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Evening

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One Thanksgiving weekend a number of years in the past, my ever-so-slightly aggressive household received snowed in—and naturally we wanted to eat. With bread and cheese aplenty, we started a extremely aggressive grilled cheese contest. Every of us grabbed add-ons from the pantry and fridge, then received griddling. I can’t bear in mind who got here out on high—largely as a result of it wasn’t me—however truthfully, everybody’s a winner while you get to pattern a number of grilled cheeses. Better of all? It’s an ideal celebration theme for an all-ages cling.

1. Soup’s On

Inform your pals that you simply’ll present the tomato soup and bread, however they’re in control of their cheese and different fixings. Miraculously, you’ll solely want one pot to drag this off: This Staub Cocotte that comes with a grill pan within the lid. Wonderful, proper?

2. Assume Large

I’m going to be trustworthy: You’re not going to win this celebration with a number of slices of American cheese and white bread. As an alternative, go massive with components corresponding to smoked gruyère, caramelized onions, Kewpie mayo, bacon, spinach, or like Ruth Reichl, a clove of garlic, plus shallots, leeks, and onions.

3. Set the Desk

No have to assemble an elaborate tablescape. As an alternative, stack your bowls close to the cocotte and let visitors serve themselves when it’s time to get to dunking. Maintain spoons close by, however know that this can be a little bit of an informal affair, and if a slice of tacky bread acts as silverware, so be it.

4. Spice Issues Up

Don’t let the sandwiches have all of the enjoyable. This spicy tomato soup comes collectively in a snap, will get its warmth from crimson pepper flakes, and solely takes a half hour to place collectively.

5. Play Extra

As soon as the cooking competitors dies down, you’ll want a option to convey it again. I say that is the time to settle right into a board sport that’ll get the group going once more.

6. Sweeten Up

This isn’t the time to go for a heavy dessert, and but—chocolate can be a superb complement to all that cheese. Break up a flowery small-batch bar, and move it round on a reasonably plate.