Apologies for the complete radio silence lately! While baking inspiration has been at a high, time unfortunately has not. But I’m back today with another quick and easy lunch or dinner recipe that I think you’ll like! Where comfort food is concerned, the toastie is hard to beat. They seriously couldn’t be easier to make, but this one takes the flavours up a notch, because we all deserve a little treat after a long day at work!

Red grapes are roasted with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme, salt and black pepper for just a few minutes until they start to burst out of their skins. It’s a beautiful sight. At this point, you can use these roasted grapes in a number of ways – as an accompaniment to a cheese or charcuterie board, with fresh ricotta and grilled bread, with grilled haloumi, or even served with a lamb roast. They can even be cooked in advance. It’s a super versatile little recipe.

I decided to combine the grapes with prosciutto, gruyere cheese and more black pepper on a toastie, and it was absolutely delicious. It has been added to my rotation of easy mid-week dinners, and I know I’ll make it again soon.

Just when I thought autumn had settled in for good, we were given a stunning weekend of warm weather and sunshine!! Not that I’m complaining at all, but this recipe just screams out for a chilly day, a nice glass of red and a good movie.



Roasted Grape and Prosciutto Toastie
Serves 2

Roasted Grapes (I didn’t measure any quantities, so just adjust to taste)

• Red seedless grapes
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Sea salt & cracked black pepper

Toastie

• 4 pieces sourdough bread
• Butter
• Proscuitto (about 4-6 slices)
• Gruyere cheese (or use your favourite cheddar)
• Cracked black pepper, optional

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Spread grapes onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and a glug of balsamic. Sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper. Lay thyme leaves over top. Toss all together gently with your hands. Place pan in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until grapes just begin to burst.

To assemble the toastie, spread a little butter on each side of the bread. Layer proscuitto, grapes, cheese, some thyme leaves and cracked pepper on top. Top with another piece of bread and toast in a sandwich maker until golden brown and cheese is melted. Cut in half and serve immediately.