Admittedly, this dish is a bit more labor-intensive than the grilled-cheese sandwiches of your youth, but the extra effort pays off with maximum flavor. The unusual sweet-tart chutney is also wonderful on toast or with roast pork.

Makes 2 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

Spicy Plum Chutney (recipe follows)
2 cups packed baby spinach, rinsed, with water still clinging to leaves
1 teaspoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 slices whole-wheat or sourdough bread
3/4 cup finely shredded Manchego or sharp Cheddar cheese

1. Prepare Spicy Plum Chutney.
2. Place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer the spinach to a colander in the sink; press lightly with a spatula to extract any excess water.
3. Mix butter and oil in a small bowl. Place bread on a work surface and brush the top of each slice with the butter mixture. Turn the slices over and spread 2 teaspoons of the plum chutney on 2 slices of bread. Top the chutney with cheese. Layer the spinach over the cheese and top with the remaining 2 slices of bread, buttered side out.
4. Place the sandwiches in a dry, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook, until golden on the first side, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the sandwiches over and continue cooking until the second side is golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve with the remaining chutney for dipping.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 316 calories; 14 g fat (6 g sat, 3 g mono); 28 mg cholesterol; 41 g carbohydrate; 12 g protein; 6 g fiber; 471 mg sodium; 235 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (70% daily value), Calcium & Vitamin C (25% dv), Folate (22% dv).

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 fruit, 1 high-fat meat, 1 fat

2 Carbohydrate Servings

MAKE AHEAD TIP: The chutney will keep for 1 week in the refrigerator.

RELATED RECIPES: Spicy Plum Chutney