Irish Rarebit

Irish Rabbit? Rarebit? What? "Rarebit" means "tasty morsel" and is a popular light course or lunch meal throughout Ireland and the British Isles. You can use either Irish Soda Bread or, as I did, toasted wheat bread. Chopped pickles are optional. We thought they added a great "bite" to cut the richness of the cheese.

2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese

2 T. lightly salted butter

1/4 cup whole milk

1 t. cider vinegar

1 t. dry mustard

4 slices soda bread or whole wheat bread

2 T. chopped dill pickles

salt and pepper

Preheat the broiler until hot. Put the cheese, butter, and milk in a saucepan and heat gently over medium low heat, stirring, until creamy and smooth. Add the vinegar, mustard and seasoning to the sauce.

Toast the bread on only one side. Place on a baking sheet, uncooked side facing upward. Pour the sauce over the bread. Place under the preheated broiler for 2 - 3 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

Sprinkle with the chopped pickles and serve immediately.

From The Complete Irish Pub Cookbook