Toasted Apple, Prosciutto and Smoked Goat Cheese Sandwich

One sandwich with all of the flavors of fall

In my opinion, the humble sandwich doesn't get enough appreciation.  When you really think about it, sandwiches are awesome and absolutely brilliant.  In its simplest form, it's really just a bunch of "stuff" fixed in between two pieces of bread.  And that "stuff" can be anything your little heart desires.  From vegetables, meats and cheeses to condiments, sky's the limit.  Then of course, there's bread choice and don't even get me started on that, we could be here all night listing those off.  Sandwiches can be served hot or cold, fancied up with special sauces and rare ingredients or dressed down, plain and simple.  When it comes to the sandwich, the possibilities truly are endless.

Granny Smith Apple, Prosciutto, Smoked Goat Cheese and Fig Jam

Like most, I love a good sandwich.  Heck, I crave sandwiches.  No matter how fancy they get, there's something still so familiar and comforting about them.  This recipe for a sandwich is the perfect example of a unique combination that really works and it's so perfect for this season.  Fresh fall flavors pressed and toasted in between two pieces of whole wheat bread, this is light years beyond the average PB & J or ham and cheese sandwich and one that keeps you guessing as well as offers up that element of surprise and makes your taste buds really pay attention.

With this sandwich, there's a lot going on and the various textures and flavors keep it interesting.  The real star here is the homemade fig jam that my fellow blogger and friend Lara, from Good Cook Doris, gave me.  This stuff is amazing and I know for a fact that I will be whipping up my own batch of this shortly.  The fresh fig jam just provided such a fantastically sweet contrast to the salty prosciutto and the little seeds make such a satisfying little "pop" sound with each bite.  If you don't have the time to make this, a nice substitution could be Dalmatia Fig Spread, which can be found at most grocery stores, usually in the specialty cheese section.

Mmmm....Homemade Fig Jam

In addition to the fig jam, I also used a smoked goat cheese that I picked up at the Coolidge Corner Farmer's Market.  Goat cheese itself when melted is simply divine.  Taking a on a whipped and creamy texture, it becomes light when warmed, making for a nice tangy spread.  The smoked cheese used here provides such depth to the flavors and adds an entire new dimension.  No smoked goat cheese?  No worries, a smoked Gouda or cheddar would be excellent as well.

Toasted Apple, Prosciutto and Smoked Goat Cheese Sandwich

Toasted Apple Prosciutto and Smoked Goat Cheese Sandwich
- 2 pieces of bread (I used a good hearty wheat bread)
- About 1 tbs of fig jam (or Dalamatia Spread)
- Enough Dijon mustard to cover 1 piece of bread
- 3-4 thinly sliced pieces of prosciutto
- 1/2 granny smith apple, sliced extra thin
- About 1 tbs smoked goat cheese

Spread fig spread on one piece of the bread and Dijon mustard on the other.  Layer in the apples, prosciutto, and goat cheese.  Heat sandwich in a frying pan or panini maker until brown on both sides and the cheese is melted through.  Serve immediately.