Grilled cheese: Get toasted

April is National Grilled Cheese Month. What better time to play with your food?

This week’s ingredient: Grilled cheese

Smart buy: A 12-ounce package of Kraft Sliced Deluxe American Cheese (the most popular grilling type) is $4.50 at supermarkets.

Trivia: Americans make 2.2 billion gooey toasted sandwiches a year.

More trivia: In 2004, a grilled cheese sammy bearing the image of the Virgin Mary sold for $28,000 on eBay.

Dish 1: Grilled Blue Cheese and Bacon Sandwich

Combine 1/2 cup blue cheese, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 sliced scallion and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Butter one side of 8 slices onion bread. Spread cheese mixture on nonbuttered side of 4 slices bread. Cut 4 slices crisp bacon in half; place 2 halves on each cheese-topped slice. Cover with remaining bread, buttered side out. Grill 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Dish 2: South-of-the-Border Grilled Cheese

Combine 1/4 cup salsa, 2 tablespoons fire-roasted canned, diced green chiles (drained) and 1 teaspoon taco seasoning. Butter one side of 8 slices jalapeño bread. Spread salsa mixture on nonbuttered side of 4 slices bread; top each with 1/4 cup shredded Jack cheese. Cover with remaining bread, buttered side out. Grill 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Dish 3: Hot Turkey Dijon Sandwich

Combine 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1/4 teaspoon tarragon. Spread on 4 slices whole-wheat bread. Top two bread slices with 2 slices Swiss cheese and 2 ounces turkey. Cover with remaining bread. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in skillet. Cook sandwiches over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes per side.