Hoisin Ham 'n' Cheese
2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
6 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
2 scallions, sliced very thinly
Freshly ground black pepper
8 thin slices ham
8 slices Jewish rye bread (or whatever bread you like)
1 green apple, cored and sliced thinly
Mayonnaise, for coating
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, mix the cheese, hoisin, cilantro, sesame oil, scallions, and freshly ground pepper (to your liking). Mix with a spatula until well combined. Taste for seasoning, and avoid the temptation to eat the whole bowl as is.
To make a sandwich, warm a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Then, lay 2 slices of ham on the bread. Place a layer of apple slices over the ham, and then spoon about 1/2 cup of the filling on one side of the bread, making sure it's evenly spread. Cover with the other slice of bread.
Coat the top slice of bread with a very thin coating of mayonnaise, about 1 teaspoon.
Place the sandwich in the skillet, mayonnaise-coated side down. Weigh down with another small cast iron skillet, if you have one. After 45 seconds, slather the uncoated side of the sandwich with a similarly thin layer of mayo. Flip. Wait another 30 to 45 seconds and remove to your cutting board. Slice in half. Repeat with the rest of the sandwiches and serve.
