A “Whale” Of A Grilled Cheese, With Roasted Broccoli, Garlic And Caramelized Onions

1. 1

   To roast the broccoli: Heat oven to 425.

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   Place florets on baking sheet.

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   Drizzle with olive oil.

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   Sprinkle red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over pieces.

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   Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over pieces.

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   Roast for about 25 minutes, until pieces are soft and have that delicious browning on them.

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   Remove from oven and drizzle fresh lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.

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   Set aside.

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   To roast the garlic: Heat oven to 400.

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    Take off the papery outer skin of the garlic bulb.

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    Don't remove all the skin, just the stuff that comes off easily. The head of garlic should still remain intact.

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    Slice off the pointy end of the bulb to expose all the cloves.

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    Place in a small greased ramekin and cover with the olive oil.

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    Sprinkle just a pinch of salt and cover with aluminum foil.

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    Place in oven and roast for about 45 minutes.

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    The cloves of garlic will be all nice and soft.

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    To caramelize the onions: Place a tablespoon of olive oil in large saute pan over medium heat.

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    Add the onion slices.

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    Don't stir too often yet.

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    Let the pieces brown, without getting burnt.

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    After about 15 minutes or so, once slices have mostly browned, I like to turn the heat down to low or medium low.

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    Stir frequently.

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    I like adding a bit of water or oil every so often to keep the pieces from burning or sticking too much.

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    After about 40 minutes or so, the onions should have a dark brown, jam-like quality.

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    To assemble the sandwiches: Place slices of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on slice of bread.

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    Place pieces of roasted broccoli on top, followed by some caramelized onions.

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    Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Spread clove or two of roasted garlic on the top piece of bread.

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    Butter both sides of the sandwich and place on greased griddle.

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    Once one side has turned golden brown, flip and let the other side develop a golden brown color.

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    Once the sandwich has cooled a bit, use the cookie cutter to cut out the whale-shape.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.