Welsh Twist Rarebit

SERVES 6, 10 MINS PREPARATION, 15 MINS COOKING

Commonly mistaken for rabbit, Welsh Rarebit is in fact very delicious cheese of toast! Served with grilled tomatoes, ham and a good dollop of ketchup, this recipe serves up a tasty treat for St David’s Day!

INGREDIENTS:

• 150g Cherry Tomatoes, whole or halved
• 25g Butter
• 8 slices of Bread
• 200g Caerphilly or Welsh Cheese (or any mild alternative)
• 10 slices of Ham
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce or Mustard
• 100ml Milk or Beer
• 1-2 tablespoons of Flour, if needed
• Salt and Pepper, seasoning to taste

METHOD:

1. Pre-heat your grill.
2. Grate or crumble ¾ of the cheese into a saucepan, and add the butter, seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce or mustard.
3. Heat gently until the cheese melts, stirring slowly. Gradually add the milk or beer to soften the mixture, but avoid making it too runny.
4. Stir and simmer on a gentle heat until the mixture is thick and smooth and drips but not pours off the spoon (if it is a little runny just add a bit more cheese or a few tablespoons of flour to thicken the Rarebit mixture).
5. Leave to cool but not harden.
6. Lightly toast and butter the bread on one side.
7. Slice the ham and place on top of the toast, and halve the tomatoes if you wish.
8. Pour the Rarebit cheese mixture over the toast, spreading it to the edge to prevent the crust from burning. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese.
9. Place the tomatoes on top of the Rarebit and grill until the tomatoes are cooked and the Rarebit turns golden brown.
10. Serve and enjoy immediately with extra Worcester sauce, tomato ketchup, or condiment of your choice.