Blackberry Bourbon Cider Smash & Blackberry Fontina Grilled Cheese

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A mouth-watering nod to sweet blackberries, this pairing will not disappoint. Luscious, ripe blackberries compliment the refreshing tart, crisp cider and add depth to the classic grilled cheese. Bonus - the blackberries make the combo appear more impressive and difficult to whip up than it actually is, which makes it perfect when entertaining guests. 

Blackberry Bourbon Cider Smash 

Ingredients

  • Fresh Black Berries 

  • Fresh Rosemary

  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup

  • 1/2 oz Lemon Juice

  • 1 oz Bourbon

  • 3 oz Merchant's Daughter Semi-Dry Cider

Method

  1. Add blackberries, rosemary lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker or glass jar. Muddle to release the juices. 

  2. Add bourbon and stir.

  3. Strain over glass with ice. Pour the cider over, gently stirring to combine. 

  4. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of rosemary if desired.

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Blackberry &  Fontina Grilled Cheese 

Ingredients

  • 1 pint blackberries

  • 1 tablespoon chopped thyme

  • 8 slices whole grain bread

  • 1 lb fontina cheese, shredded

  • 1 tablespoon butter, plus more as needed

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the blackberries and thyme. Use a fork to lightly mash the berries so that no whole berries remain.

  2. Lay 4 slices of bread on your work surface and top each slice with about a quarter of the shredded cheese. Spoon dollops of the mashed blackberries of the cheese (you may not use it all), and then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the blackberries. Place the remaining slices of bread on over the cheese and press lightly.

  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, if needed, add the sandwiches and cook until the bread is browned and the cheese is beginning to melt, about 3 minutes. Flip the sandwiches, adding more butter, if needed, and cook until the second side is browned and the cheese has melted. If the bread has browned before the cheese is melted, transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and place in the oven until the cheese is fully melted. Serve right away.

(Recipe source, CIA Dish: https://www.ciafoodies.com/fontina-and-blackberry-grilled-cheese-sandwiches/)

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Lunch, CocktailsChristine SislerSemi-Dry