CARAMELIZED ONION & APPLE MELTS ciabatta, white cheddar, kale salad with dried apricots & almonds

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

PREP Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove and discard any thick center stems from red kale*. Roughly chop leaves into bite-size pieces. Stand Granny Smith apple upright and cut off sides around core; discard core. Lay sides flat and cut lengthwise into slices, about ¼ inch thick. Cut half of the slices lengthwise into matchsticks, about ¼ inch thick. Roughly chop sliced almonds. Cut ends off yellow onion and discard peel. Halve lengthwise; save one half for another use.** Cut remaining half lengthwise into strips, about ¼ inch thick. De-stem thyme; finely chop leaves. *The ingredient you received may be a different color. **Use whole onion if desired.

Step 2

MAKE VINAIGRETTE Place about half of the apricot jam, about half of the white balsamic vinegar, and about half of the Dijon mustard in a large bowl (reserve remaining mustard for another use). Whisk to combine. Add about 2 tablespoons olive oil while whisking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3

MAKE SALAD Add kale to bowl with vinaigrette. Lightly season with salt. Massage until leaves soften. Add apple matchsticks, dried apricots, and almonds. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

CARAMELIZE ONION & APPLE Heat about 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and sliced apple to hot pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes, or until onion begins to brown, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining white balsamic vinegar. Season with thyme. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until onion is lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add remaining apricot jam and 1 tablespoon butter. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until butter melts.

Step 5

TOAST BREAD Halve ciabatta breads horizontally. Place, cut sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Toast 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer buns to a cutting board. Spread cut sides with about ½ tablespoon butter each.

Step 6

COOK MELTS Spoon caramelized onion and apple over top and bottom buns. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and white cheddar cheese. Return baking sheet to oven. Toast 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is slightly melted. Carefully close melts. Halve widthwise at an angle.

Step 7

PLATE YOUR DISH Divide caramelized onion and apple melts between plates. Pile kale salad on the side. Enjoy