I am not sure how to convey just how yummy this sandwich is. Although I love a good, basic grilled cheese sandwich, this is a whole different level of love. Though the ingredients are top notch, none are exotic or out of the ordinary. They do however become something extraordinary when put together and grilled.

INGREDIENTS
2 slices whole grain bread
1 Tbs. butter
2 slices extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 heirloom tomato or vine-ripened
1/2 avocado
3-4 large basil leaves or a generous slather of pesto

DIRECTIONS
First, slather the bread with butter and place, each slice separately, butter side down, in a preheated, low temperature cast iron skillet. Next, add the cheese to one piece of the bread, add the tomato on top of the cheese and lastly, place the basil leaves over the tomatoes. Then, add the sliced avocado to the other piece of bread and season both sides with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Then, cover the pan and let sit for about 5-6 minutes to let the cheese melt and the other ingredients warm up.

Finally, when the cheese is melted and oozing and the bread is a nice toasty, golden brown, join the two sides of the sandwich. Press to merge the combined the ingredients, then cut in half. Serve with some chips and a cup of soup for an incredibly delicious and hardy lunch. Perfect for a chilly day.

NOTES
The variations on this are endless. Change the bread type, a dark rye is wonderful, change up the cheese or combine two different cheeses, wonderful. Consider adding some crispy bacon to really amp up the flavor, also wonderful.

Also, it bears mentioning that the better your ingredients, the better the sandwich. Try to find a good, whole grain, artisanal bread and good tomatoes. I used heirloom tomatoes here, however when tomatoes are out of season, you can use a good, vine ripened variety with great results.