GREEN MELT RECIPES

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add vinegar, sugar, Creole seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and ¼ cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Add collards, tossing in liquid to wilt. Cover pan, reduce heat to low, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until collards are dark green and very soft, 2½–3 hours. There should be very little liquid left—just enough to coat greens. If there is too much, cook uncovered until you have the right amount.
• Do Ahead: Collards can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.
• Toss cabbage, onion, mayonnaise, pepper, and 1 Tbsp. vinegar in a medium bowl to combine. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
• Season with salt and more vinegar if needed just before using.
• Do Ahead: Slaw can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
• Mix mayonnaise, cherry peppers, hot sauce, ketchup, and pepper in a small bowl to combine.
• Do Ahead: Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
• Heat broiler (rack should be in highest position). Place 8 slices of bread on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, checking every 30 seconds, until golden brown, 1–2 minutes. Turn and toast second side until golden brown, 1–2 minutes. Top each toast with a slice of cheese and broil until melted and starting to brown, 1–2 minutes. Transfer to a work surface.
• Place remaining 4 slices of bread on same baking sheet and toast, checking every 30 seconds, until golden brown, 1–2 minutes. Turn and toast second side until golden brown, 1–2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• If collard greens are cold, reheat in a large skillet over medium until hot, about 5 minutes.
• Divide 2 cups slaw among 4 cheesy toasts. Top with remaining 4 cheesy toasts. Using a slotted spoon (or you’ll end up with a soggy sammy), divide collard greens among cheesy toasts. Generously spread one side of plain toasts with dressing and place dressing side down on collard greens to close sandwiches. Cut sandwiches in half diagonally and serve with lots of napkins.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix the first 7 ingredients until blended. Spread over half the bread slices. Top with tomato and remaining bread., Brush outsides of sandwiches with melted butter. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, toast sandwiches in batches over medium-low heat until golden brown and heated through, 3-4 minutes on each side.