Corned Beef Grilled Cheese on Rye

It is very important to watch at least two movies for St. Patrick's Day, so you might want to start early. The first is "Darby O'Gill and the Little People." This Disney live-action favorite tells the story of the old Irishman Darby and his relationships with the leprechauns, featuring a close encounter with the King of the Little People, a frightful screamin' banshee, and among other things, a young singing Sean Connery. The little people at your house will be sure to love it, and I can testify that one big person, namely me, loves it well. I defy anyone not to giggle till his side aches when you see King Brian dance an Irish jig. It makes me right jolly just thinking about it.

The second movie is one of my favorites the whole year through, but it's particularly fun to watch for St. Pat's day. If you've never seen "The Quiet Man," with its gorgeous rolling green hills, thatched roof cottages, and the charming stone walled country side of Ireland, you've been missing out.John Wayne plays not a cowboy, but a tortured prizefighter, who swears off boxing after accidently killing his oponent. When he returns to the Irish town of his birth, he finds happiness when he falls in love with the fiery Mary Kate. Though he is sorely tempted to pick up the gloves against her brother, the town bully, the Quiet Man is determined not to use his fists. (I plagiarized those three sentences from the back of the DVD, which also notes that the film won two Oscars.) The fight scene, (of course you know they have to fight!) the longest in cinema history, is not to be missed. And here's a little Prudy family trivia for you: my youngest sister is named Mary Kate because of the gorgeous Maureen O'Hara in this movie. Our Mary Kate is pretty fiery too, but only if you don't feed her properly. And of course, my loyal readers will recognize the nickname for my own Mr. Prudy-The Quiet Man. He's no prizefighter, but he's every bit as noble, cryptic and quiet as the hero of the movie. Don't even bother renting this movie; go out and buy it today.

And if you're beginning to feel peckish after these movie reviews, fear not. I've got a delicious little twist on Irish corned beef in the form a lovely grilled cheese sandwich. It will come together in ten minutes with a lovely combination of rye bread, dijon mustard, garlicky butter, smooth melted cheddar, and peppery corned beef. I don't necessarily think of rye as being Irish, but look what was on the bread this week.

Thanks, and same to you!

Money Saving Tips:

Stay home and have these sandwiches for at least 50 percent cheaper than at the deli. Your best bet is to shop your grocery circulars to see who has corned beef and deli sliced cheese on sale. Pastrami is an excellent substitute for corned beef, since they are essentially the same cut of meat with a slightly different preparation.

Corned Beef Grilled Cheese on Rye

Estimated Cost: $10.00 for 4 large sandwiches

1/2 lb. deli corned beef or pastrami, thinly sliced

8 slices rye bread (my favorite is Orowheat Dilly Rye)

8 ounces thinly sliced cheddar cheese

1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 clove garlic, finely minced

dill pickle slices

Heat medium non stick skillet over medium high heat. Add corned beef and cook until browned in places, stirring often, about five minutes. Meanwhile, heat another skillet over medium high heat. Spread dijon mustard thinly on insides of bread slices. Layer with cheese and pastrami and form sandwiches. Combine butter and garlic and spread on outsides of bread. Place sandwiches in preheated skillet and cook until bread is toasted and cheese is melted, lowering heat to medium low if needed. Remove sandwiches from skillet, open and add pickle slices if desired.

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