Hangovers and Finals Have Something In Common

The end of the college semester means two things: finals week stress, and lots of binge drinking. Both these things require a change of eating habits. While I tend to stay away from difficult recipes, finals week requires the simplest of simple recipes. The need for a quick, easy meal, and the persistent hangover I was greeted with upon awakening, led me to make my favorite grilled cheese. My love affair with this sandwich goes back about 15 years, and I am convinced it will never become a boring food. When I first moved off campus, my roommates had a toaster oven, which I never had until then. I make my grilled cheeses in the toaster oven because it's quicker, and I don't have to use any oil or butter; thus making it slightly healthier than its fried counterpart.

Over the years, I have experimented with many variations on this classic sandwich. But, my favorite version of it has also become my go-to hangover remedy. I put tomatoes, bacon, and basil in my grilled cheese, but if I'm in a vegetarian mood, I skip the bacon. Almost any ingredient can work in this sandwich; it all depends on your particular preference.

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Ingredients

• American cheese, 4 slices
• 2 slices of bread
• bacon, 4 slices
• tomato, 2 slices
• basil, 2-4 leaves

Directions

1. Cook the bacon and set aside on paper towels (to absorb extra grease).

2. Place both slices of bread next to each other on the rack in the toaster oven.

3. Put 2 slices of cheese on each slice of bread.

4. Lay 2 slices of bacon on top of the cheese.

5. Stack the tomato and the basil on top of the bacon

6. Toast for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.