Epicurious: Grilled Cheddar and Fennel Sandwiches with Curry Mayo

On this, the one random day I was actually on Twitter for more than 2 seconds, I was treated to this grilled cheese sandwich, thanks to @alosha7777 and Serious Eats. For some reason, maybe because of the photo (courtesy Serious Eats), I have taken a liking to this sandwich and may eventually make it myself.

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
• 2 teaspoons curry powder (preferably Madras)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 baguette
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 lb extra-sharp Cheddar
• 1/4 cup very thinly sliced fennel bulb (sometimes called anise; quartered lengthwise and cored before slicing)

I am normally not a fan of mayonnaise, even on grilled cheese sandwiches, but the addition of curry really intrigues me. I have used curry once for an Indian inspired grilled cheese and the flavor really worked.

When I devise recipes, I have a hard problem thinking outside the box with ingredients that I have never used. Therefore, I am glad when I find recipes such as this that include ingredients I have never used. In this case, that ingredient is fennel. I know very little about fennel and would love to learn more. Using it in a grilled cheese, would do just that.

Look for me to attempt to create this sandwich in the very near future…