Welsh Rarebit or Rabbit

By gmgaston

The origin of this dish is generally understood to be Welsh. It is thought by many to be "Welsh rabbit, that is, a rabbit prepared in the Welsh fashion. It is not a rabbit, but sharp cheddar cheese, melted to a certain degree. The idea is that melted cheese on toast is what a Welsh rabbit hunter had to eat when he comes home empty-handed.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ale, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tablespoon grainy mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 slices crusty dense bread

Preparation

Step 1

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cheese a small handful at a time, melting completely before adding next handful, and whisk in a bit of beer as needed to keep the mixture liquid. Add additional beer in small increments until mixture is about the consistency of a thick sauce or gravy. Whisk in remaining ingredients.

Pour over crusty dense bread and grill under a low broiler until just seared.