Skillet Melt With Aniseed and Garlic Toast

• Recipe by Anne Disrude

Ingredients

1. 4 slices of coarse peasant bread, cut 1/2 inch thick and toasted
2. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. 1 garlic clove, halved
4. 4 ounces thinly sliced hard sheep cheese, such as Kasseri, Kashkaval or Etorki
5. 1 teaspoon aniseed, crushed
6. 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Brush one side of each slice of toast with olive oil, then rub with the cut garlic. Set aside.
2. In a large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, arrange the cheese slices in a single layer and cook over moderately low heat until melted, about 3 minutes. Season with the aniseed and pepper. Put the toast slices on top and press into the cheese. Lift the slices out, coated with the melted cheese.