Fall recipes: Toasty and cheesy shrimp sandwich

The key to a great toasty and cheesy shrimp sandwich.

Californians, New Yorkers, D.C.-dwellers and Denver denizens are lucky to boast of many excellent, nearby restaurants. Still, nothing quite compares to the nurturing feeling conjured up by a warm, homemade lunch on a windy, fall day. Everyone wants to spread that homey feeling by inviting friends and family to take off their jackets and take a seat at the table. Everyone enjoys discussing their morning over hot chamomile tea and a warm treat. Some fall Saturdays just seem special, demanding a little something more from a cook than the old grilled cheese.

Recipes that come to be favorites are creative, clear, utilitarian, and based on a reasonable number of obtainable, quality ingredients. For something different on a windy Saturday, try this cheesy shrimp sandwich recipe. It will warm up the family after a morning spent on the soccer field. (A little bit of shrimp served as a main course is still a good investment.) When a good friend drops by, or a child scores the winning goal, celebrate with this zesty fall meal.

Toasty and cheesy shrimp sandwich recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups cooked shrimp
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon onion, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 6 slices of thick bread (French or multi grain)
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch of paprika
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

Begin by cooking the shrimp. Clean the shrimp and chop it into bite size pieces. Then make the cheese sauce: start by melting half the butter over low heat. Add the flour slowly, stirring every few minutes (still over low heat). Stir the milk in slowly. Add the lemon juice. Simmer and stir the sauce with a whisk until it has thickened and has a smoother consistency. Reduce the heat and stir in the cheese. Add salt, paprika, and mustard. Simmer on low heat. Put six slices of bread in a large toaster (or give an older child this job-they love to help). In a skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the grated onion, garlic salt, and black pepper. Then add the shrimp. Stir it over low heat for just one minute. Lay the finished slices of toast out on a platter. Heap the shrimp and onion on top of the toast. Top each slice with a healthy dollop of the warm and zesty cheese sauce. Enjoy a special fall treat!

For another warm and wonderful lunch idea, try my fast French onion soup.