Black and navy. Peanut butter and hamburgers. Jay-Z and Linkin Park. Some things just don’t feel like they should work together. But in a strange, unorthodox way, the contrast blends into something exciting and new.
With this in mind, I’d like to introduce you to a sweet, savory sandwich that’s perfect for an easy lunch or late-night munch: the chèvre, chorizo, and chocolate panini.
Photo by Rocky Luten
Developed by cheese enthusiast/expert and author Tia Keenan in the latest iteration from Short Stacks, she instructs cooks to carefully select each ingredient:
Choose only the porkiest chorizo, the richest, darkest chocolate (more than 70%, please), the zippiest, creamiest chèvre, and the freshest, crustiest bread. Then let them wallow in their co-dependence: The citrusy chèvre appeases the fiery ’tude of the chorizo, and the mellowing tannins of dark chocolate hit high-toned chèvre like a sweet kiss.
There’s one other component to the sandwich not found in the ingredients list—time. Each side of the panini should get 4 minutes in the skillet, creating the perfect contrast of hot, toasty bread and soft, velvety cheese.
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So cast aside your notions of what should go together. Make this panini and bask in the weird and wonderful flavors of a porky, chocolatey grilled cheese.
-
2
tablespoons olive oil, divided -
2
fresh chorizo sausages (about 1 pound) -
3
ounces chèvre, at room temperature -
1
teaspoon finely grated lemon zest -
1
ounce dark chocolate, finely chopped -
2
demi baguettes or 5-inch pieces of baguette, split lengthwise
What’s your favorite unexpected flavor combination? How’d you discover it?
(via Food52)