Produce with Amy

Cheese is the poetry of milk.” — Anonymous

Spring break has officially arrived, but you wouldn’t know it by looking outside. Here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we’re in the middle of an ice storm. It’s hardly the sunshine‑and‑flowers vibe one hopes for this time of year. Still, the slower pace has been a gift. I’ve had time to unwind, spend time with my family, and make some delicious meals that bring a little warmth to these cold, gray days.

Along with my usual grocery haul of fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs, I stocked up on sandwich supplies. My husband has never been a big sandwich guy, but he does love a grilled cheese. And honestly, who can blame him? A perfectly toasted grilled cheese is the ideal companion to a bowl of homemade soup ~ which I make almost weekly.

My personal favorite grilled cheese combination is Swiss cheese layered with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. John and our son Lukas prefer the classic version, though they’ll never turn down a pizza‑inspired twist. And if you’re looking to elevate your grilled cheese game, this might be the recipe you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients

• Bread of choice (I used sourdough)
• Butter
• Cheese for the filling (I used shredded pizza cheese, but sliced mozzarella works beautifully)
• Parmesan cheese for the outside
• Pepperoni
• Pizza sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place the bread butter‑side down in a hot pan and lightly toast the unbuttered side.
3. Flip the slices over and add your cheese and pepperoni.
4. Assemble the sandwich and sprinkle a layer of Parmesan onto the top slice.
5. Flip and cook until the Parmesan becomes golden and crisp.
6. Repeat with the other side.
7. Warm your pizza sauce and serve for dipping.

Variations

You can absolutely get creative here. I’m not a huge pepperoni fan, so I’ve swapped in mushrooms, banana peppers, olives, pesto, or a few fresh basil leaves. It’s one of those recipes that invites experimentation.

Wherever you are, I hope spring is inspiring you—even if, like me, your garden is still buried under several feet of snow. These in‑between seasons can feel long, but they’re also a reminder to slow down, nourish ourselves, and take care of one another.

Here’s to warm kitchens, cozy meals, and the promise of brighter days ahead.