salsa cheddar grilled cheese

We have spent the last week in Missouri. We have seen bright sunshine, booming thunderstorms, sideways rains, and currently? A tornado watch for several areas, including BoCoMo (Boone County).

Everyone around me is used to this sort of thing, and therefore calm. While I am comforted by the fact that there is a tornado shelter directly across the street, I really don’t want to have to experience a tornado. I have been in Missouri to hear the monthly siren test, and I don’t really want to hear that ominous sound, either. Creepy indeed.

I could use one of these sandwiches right now – a good distraction.

For this sandwich I may have spent another mile on the treadmill, but it was worth every step.

One thing I craved when I could not have it, crunchy buttery toast. Another thing I craved? Tomatoes and cheese. Not having a fresh tomato in the house, I opted for salsa. Hey, it’s close, right?

It’s also good.

salsa cheddar grilled cheese

gluten and dairy free, vegan

2 slices gluten free bread
3-4 slices cheddar cheese (Teese)
2-3 tablespoons salsa of your choice
butter (Earth Balance soy free) 

Butter both sides of bread. Arrange cheese on one slice, place both pieces of bread side by side on baking sheet, bake at 350 until cheese melts and bread toasts. Remove from oven, spoon salsa over cheese and cover with second slice of bread.

Straight up comfort food, indeed. This is a craving-satisfying combination.

Have you been in a tornado? Do you have extreme weather in your area?

*edited to add last night’s conversation:

Kris: will we hear the sirens if they go off?

Jason: yes, we will hear them.

Kris: okay, goodnight…

Jason: wait, no we won’t hear them – the next time they go off we’ll be back in Portland.

Good Answer. Made me feel better, and probably my mom too, right mom? We are fine!