Please welcome our guest today--author Linda Reilly. She's sharing an intriguing recipe today--a grilled cheese donut! What's not to love, right? Two of my favorite things combined? Yes, please!
Thank you, Peg Cochran, for inviting me to do a guest post on Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen! In my Grilled Cheese mystery series, Carly Hale has opened her dream restaurant—a grilled cheese eatery tucked in the heart of Balsam Dell, Vermont. Her motto has always been: We prepare our sandwiches to please our customers. There’s no wrong way to make a grilled cheese. But even Carly was flummoxed when she was asked to cater a former classmate’s wedding shower with grilled cheese donuts as the main course!
Staying true to her motto, Carly and her grill cook, Grant Robinson,
experimented with recipes until they found the perfect one. This simple,
three-ingredient twist on a traditional grilled cheese blends the sweetness of
the sugary glaze and the tartness of the sharp cheddar. While it’s not for
every palate, it was the hit of the wedding shower! That is, until the
groom-to-be turned up dead at the foot of the elegant staircase…
This recipe for a Grilled Cheese Donut was inspired by the nationally well-known eatery Tom & Chee.
Ingredients:
Softened butter
One glazed donut
Shredded, sharp cheddar cheese (as much as you can pile on!)
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Directions:
Using a serrated knife, slice the donut in half lengthwise. I refrigerated mine first for about an hour to make it easier to work with, but this is optional. Spread softened butter on both unglazed sides.
Set one half of the donut in a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan, butter side down. Pile the shredded cheese on top of the glazed side. I love the look of orange cheese, so I topped the shredded cheddar with a bit of Mexican blend cheese. (Don’t worry about bits of spillage into the pan—they make nice crusty edges!)
Top the cheese with the other half of the donut, butter side up. Grill over low to medium heat, pressing down lightly with a spatula. I suggest not using a grill press, as the weight will squish the sandwich too flat. I covered the pan for a few minutes to hasten the melting.
Grill on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip over the sandwich and grill the other side. After you flip, use the spatula to gather the stray bits of cheese in the pan toward the sandwich to get those lovely, crispy brown edges! Grill until golden brown.
Don’t hesitate to add a slice of tomato or any other accompaniment you’d like. And if you don’t like using shredded cheese, substitute with a thick slice of your favorite sharp cheddar or any other cheese that tickles your tastebuds!
How about you? Would you try a grilled cheese made with a glazed donut?
That is, until Klarissa's fiancé crashes the event. She's furious with her groom-to-be and when a loud argument ensues, everyone is shocked by what they hear. When the groom is later found dead at the bottom of the stairs, his drink spiked with a hefty dose of poison, Carly must put her nose to the rind and save Klarissa from being suspect #1. Because you know what they say: it's always the (almost) wife.
Purchase links:
Amazon : BN : Kobo : Apple Books
GIVEAWAY!!
You could win a signed copy of Cheddar Off Dead!
Leave a comment below--Would you try a grilled cheese made with a glazed donut? (US only, please.)
Raised in a sleepy town in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, Linda Reilly is a dyed-in-the-wool New Englander and a lover of all things cheese. In addition to the Grilled Cheese mysteries, she is the author of the Deep Fried Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime) and the Cat Lady Mysteries (Kensington Lyrical). She currently lives in southern New Hampshire with her two feline assistants, Panda and Flora. When she’s not pounding away at her keyboard, she can usually be found prowling the shelves of a local bookstore or library—or standing over the stove making a melty grilled cheese.
Linda Reilly - Web page and social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/Lindasreillyauthor
https://www.instagram.com/lindasreillyauthor/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-reilly
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6588314.Linda_S_Reilly
I would give it a try.
ReplyDeleteKitten143 (at) Verizon (dot) net
I think you'd like it!
DeleteI would try a bite to see if I liked it. 3labsmom(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteFor me it was a bit sweet, but delicious nonetheless!
DeleteInteresting! Welcome to the blog, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Edith! It's good to be here again.
DeleteOh it does sounds good! Yes, I would definitely try it. Why not combine two things I love into something scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy of "Cheddar Off Dead". I would love the opportunity to read and review this book which is already on my TBR list.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thanks for entering the giveaway, and I wish you the best of luck!
DeleteOh it does sounds good! Yes, I would definitely try it. Why not combine two things I love into something scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy of "Cheddar Off Dead". I would love the opportunity to read and review this book which is already on my TBR list.
Not sure why it published the first time without my name, but couldn't see where to delete it either. Sorry for posting twice.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Don't be sorry, Kay! I always enjoy your posts. Best of luck winning a copy of Cheddar Late Than Dead!
DeleteI like donuts and I like grilled cheese but not together. I'm not that adventurous. I'd rather eat a sandwich and save the donut for dessert. Thanks for the chance to win the book. It sounds really good. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteOne thing is for sure, a glazed donut on its own is absolutely delicious! When I bought the donuts to make the recipe for the post, I ate two of them in the car before I got home!
DeleteYes! I would try a grilled cheese made with a glazed donut!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Best of luck in the giveaway, Nancy!
DeleteNope. Love cheese but not so much donuts. cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteI love cheese, too! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI would definitely try this! I’d be interested to see how a really sharp cheddar would pair with the glaze. Congratulations on the new release! aut1063@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you, and don't hesitate to experiment with different cheeses!
DeleteLooks yummy and I would definitely try it especially during the winter. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteWow looks yummy and mixing sweet with savory is a win! hsdh1525@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in the giveaway, Heather!
DeleteThis creation would be perfect for my grandchildren. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI've never tried this recipe on kids, but I suspect most of them would love it!
DeleteI would try a donut grilled cheese sandwich at least once. It sounds like a fun thing to try making. Looking forward to the next grilled cheese mystery.
ReplyDeleteThanks, April--and good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI think my young niece who loves to cook would love this recipe. I'd give it a bite or two. aprilbluetx(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYour niece should give it a try! Good luck in the giveaway ~
DeleteI’m not sure I’d like it but I would definitely try it.
ReplyDeleteWskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com
It's always worth a try, right? Good luck in the giveaway!
Deletei think it would be too sweet for me but i would be game to try a vegan version. fruitcrmble at comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteI confess, it is a bit sweet. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI probably would try it never know the sweet and salty of the cheese may go together. deborahortega229@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget, you can always try a milder cheese. Best of luck in the giveaway ~
DeleteNot for me, love grilled cheese, just not a donut fan. I do love this series! Thanks, Linda!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI would! I am up for trying just about anything as long as it is not seafood, fish, and certain veggies.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Shawn's Books--no seafood for me! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI think I would probably try this. I do LOVE grilled cheese or, as we called them in my family growing up....a toasted cheese sandwich. Sounds as though it would be tasty...some sweetness with the saltiness of the cheese! ladyofshalott03(at)yahoo(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteMany people called it toasted cheese back in the day. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteFascinating idea! I will try it with the box of donuts I just bought from an elementary school fundraiser. Would this work with jelly-filled?
ReplyDeleteIt might, but the jelly might make a big mess in the pan. No harm in trying it, though. Best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteWhat a novel idea!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd go to the trouble of making one of these, but I'd certainly try it if I were served one.
libbydodd at comcast dot net
Thanks, Libby--and good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI would try one, but not sure about the sweetness of it.
ReplyDeleteThe sweetness is a bit off-putting for some people. Best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteMy friend used to make a very similar item using a glazed honey bun and spreadable cheddar cheese. So delish! So I definitely would try the glazed grilled cheese donut.
ReplyDeletelindalou64(@)live(dot)com
The spreadable cheddar sounds like a nice addition. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI would take a bite to see how it tastes first. Thanks for your great generosity. Love the cover of this book. Linda May
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda-- and best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI would definitely try a grilled cheese donut. I have to make this. Thank you for sharing. I love the book cover. Thank you for this chance!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll give it a try! Good luck in the giveaway.
DeleteUnfortunately, donuts are a big no-no for me. I read a lot of foodie-type cozy mysteries to sort of vicariously enjoy the foods I can't eat. I'm enjoying this series a lot! teenlibn(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love foodie cozies, too. Thanks, and best of luck in the giveaway !
DeleteI will admit that it doesn't sound like my cup of tea, but the pictures look good. I think I would give it a go just to see what it tasted like. I really have enjoyed reading about the grilled cheese sandwiches sold at Carly's, so I think I would have a few more options before the donut one ;) melanie.schulz127 (at) yahoo (dot) com
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are definitely enticing, aren't they? Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteThank you, dear Linda for writing such brilliantly intriguing and endearing books, and for the hours of fun and joy you have provided my wife and me. We are avid fans of your mysteries, and are currently listening to NO PARM NO FOUL, and look forward to more adventures with Carly as the sleuth. We will definitely buy doughnuts and make this recipe, which is both innovative, and sounds delicious!!! Thank you most sincerely for your generosity. Luis at ole dot travel
ReplyDeleteThank you, Luis, for such kind words about my books. I'm thrilled that you and your wife have been enjoying them. Best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteYes actually I do believe I will. My husband usually has breakfast at the salebarn on Tuesdays then brings home a donut. Probably make him take the first bite.lol
ReplyDeleteSurprise him by making a grilled cheese donut after he gets home! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteTo be honest it does not sound to my taste but if someone were to buy it and offer me a small piece, I would try it just to be adventurous. I am too frugal to buy a whole one that I could not be certain of finishing. I hate wasting food. Too many childhood lectures from when I was a kid about the starving children in Africa. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCherie, I heard those same lectures growing up. Best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI would probably try it. Sometimes stuff that doesn't sounds weird is actually good.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
As a Wisconsin girl I love this title. It looks like a fun mystery
ReplyDeleteMy name is Angela but its not showing.
DeleteGood luck in the giveaway, Angela!
DeleteI would try this if someone else made it. I don't think I would buy a donut and do it myself. I enjoy your series. Looking forward to the new book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally--and best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteDefinitely a fun book and the title is great. I would definitely try that grilled cheese donut. I love that blend of cheeses.
ReplyDeleteI’d buy just one donut to try.
idlivru1(at)gmail(dot)com
I was glad I bought a half dozen because I messed up the recipe the first time, and I ate a few of the donuts by themselves! Good luck!
DeleteYes I would definitely try one
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI recognized that Bennington pottery before I read the post! Love it and the Cabot cheese. Even though I’ve lived in AZ for 23 years I was born and raised my children in New England. Always in my heart.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you recognized the Bennington pottery! I almost mentioned it in the post--it's so gorgeous it deserves a shoutout! Thank you, and best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI absolutely would! 😍
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI would definitely try it! Sounds good to me! Thanks so much for the chance!
ReplyDeletejarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com
Best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteGreat series, and I have yet to try one of your recipes that I did not like. In fact, I made the creamy tomato soup and the glazed donut grilled cheese sandwich last night. I couldn't get my hubby to try the donut sandwich but he did like the soup. I thought the sandwich was a nice sweet and savory combination and will be making it in the future. Looking forward to the next Grilled Cheese Mystery! tracy.condie@gmail.com tracy.condie(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteTracy, I'm thrilled that you made the recipes in the book! Thanks so much, and best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI think it sounds great. I would absolutely try it. Donaldjay@donaldjay.com.
ReplyDeleteGreat! Best of luck in the giveaway ~
DeleteI would try it for sure love doughnuts and cheese.Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book
ReplyDeleteThank you, and best of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI love both food groups, so I say absolutely I would try it!! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteDonuts and cheese--two great food groups! Good luck in the giveaway ~
DeleteI'm definitely going to try this one. And can hardly wait for my preordered copy of the book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for pre-ordering, Mary!
DeleteI think I'd try a grilled cheese donut at least once. It has the great combination of sweet and savory. Can one really ruin grilled cheese?
ReplyDeleteHard to make a bad grilled cheese, right? Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteIn a heartbeat 💓
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Best of luck in the giveaway ~
DeleteSounds different but I'd try it! tWarner419@aol.com
ReplyDeleteGreat! Best of luck in the giveaway ~
DeleteI love glazed donuts and grilled cheese sandwiches, but don't think I'd like them combined (sorry!) - I love the idea of a grilled cheese restaurant, though!
ReplyDeletejrycar@gmail.com
If there was hot sauce, tomato, herbs (or all) to cut the richness of the donut and cheese, I think it would be successful. We'll have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI love your serving plate!