CHESHIRE CHEESE MELT WITH APPLE AND RED ONION RELISH

1 tbsp olive oil
knob butter
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 red apple, cored and thinly sliced
½ tsp caster sugar
Few drops balsamic vinegar (optional)
2 slices thick crusty farmhouse loaf or ciabatta
100gCheshirecheese cut into slices (don't worry if it crumbles)
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Freshly ground black pepper


Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and add the butter and onion. Cook over a medium-low heat, stirring often, until the onion starts to turn golden.


Add the apple slices and continue to cook until softened.


Sprinkle in the sugar and cook until the onion and apple turn a rich, golden brown.


Remove from the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar (optional).


Pre heat grill to high and toast the bread on one side only.


Heap the mixture on to the untoasted side.  Top with theCheshire cheese and 2 sprigs of rosemary or thyme.


Toast under the grill for a few moments until the cheese starts to melt and bubble. Serve at once



Use ordinary onion instead of red if you prefer.