Grilled Cheese Month (and a Special Day Today)

Did you know April is National Grilled Cheese Month?

I didn't either.

If you hurry, you can navigate over to www.iheartgrilledcheese.com to share your grilled cheese memories with Kraft, the company that makes those pre-packaged cheese singles. The first 1,000 to share their memories will receive a coupon for a free pack of Kraft Singles, which means you can indulge in all the gooey goodness of one of America's favorite comfort foods.

Grilled cheese is one of those sandwiches that can't fail, so it's not surprising that the good folks at Kraft say 74 percent of people who buy sliced cheese make a grilled cheese sandwich at least once a month. Grilled cheese sandwiches are one of those foods that remind grown-ups of the joys of childhood, of being able to dip the sandwich in soup. In my house, grilled cheese sandwiches were served anytime anyone was sick, so that's probably why I associate it with comfort.

Kraft also sent along grilled cheese trivia, so I'll share it with you:

1. The tomato is the most frequently added ingredient to the grilled cheese.

2. The "modern" grilled cheese (just cheese and white bread) gained popularity in the 1920s. In the 1940s and 50s, they were served "open-faced" in school cafeterias. The top piece was added to the grilled cheese in the 1960s.

3. Joey Chestnut won the World Green Chile Grilled Cheese Championship in 2006 by eating 34.5 sandwiches.

4. Want to order a grilled cheese in France? Order a Croque Monsieur, but be aware that the sandwich also has ham.

Most restaurants either have the grilled cheese on the menu or can whip one up in an instant for the pickiest of eaters (aka children). Drop me a line and tell blog readers about your favorites. Or send along your recipe for grilled cheese variations.

It's almost lunchtime. Guess what's on the menu today?