California Melt Recipes

CLASSIC PATTY MELT

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and golden, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
• Mix the ground meat with the ketchup, Worcestershire, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Form the meat into 4 oblong patties in the approximate size and shape of the bread (they should be a little less than 1/2-inch-thick).
• Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until the foam subsides. Add the patties and cook, turning once, until cooked to medium doneness, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Add salt and pepper, if desired. Transfer to a plate.
• Wipe the skillet clean. Butter one side of half of the bread slices, then place them butter-side down in the skillet. Add a slice of cheese on top of each slice of bread, then add the patties and onions. Lay one more slice of cheese on top of the onions, then add the top slices of bread. Butter the top of the bread. Flip the sandwiches and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Cook the remaining sandwiches with the remaining butter in the same manner.
• Cut the patty melts in half and serve immediately.

CALIFORNIA CRAB MELT

Steps:

• Heat broiler. Combine all ingredients EXCEPT bread in a medium bowl.
• Place bread slices on a large baking sheet. Broil 5 to 6 inches from h eat until toasted (1 to 2 minutes).
• Turn bread slices over; spread each with about 1 tablespoon of the crabmeat mixture.
• Broil 5 to 6 inches from heat until cheese is bubbly (2 to 3 minutes). Serve immediately.
• Note: Some people find Swiss cheese a little strong. I'm sure Monterey Jack would work in this recipe -- and most likely Mozzarella.