Paninis

Paninis travel well for tailgating, picnics or on a boat outting. There are endless variations and it is easy to create a favorite using ingredients that make your mouth water. To make these scumptious sandwiches, a panini press works best, but a grill pan with a weight press will do just fine also. Simply place a flavored spread, on the bread and the rest is simple.

• 8 slices of Panini-style bread
• 3 balls fresh mozzarella cheese
• 4 grilled marinated chicken breasts
• 1/2 c pesto
• 16 large basil leaves
• 2 large tomatoes

Place four slices of bread on a cookie sheet.  Spread pesto on all four slices.  Top with fresh mozzarella, then tomato slices, four basil leaves on top of tomatoes, one chicken breast on top of basil and finish with more mozzarella.  Spread pesto on the remaining four slices of bread and put bread on top of the mozzarella.   Place two sandwiches as a time in the Panini press and cook until golden brown on each side and cheese has melted.  Repeat with the last two sandwiches. Place the Panini's directly on cooling rack so they don't get soggy.  Once cool, cut in half and cut each piece in half again, giving you four pieces from each sandwich.

These combinations are also favorites of ours:

1. Buffalo chicken, crumbled blue cheese, lettuce, tomato and blue cheese dressing for spread
2. Roasted turkey, swiss cheese, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato and Russian dressing for spread
3. Fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, tomato, basil, garlic and olive oil for bread
4. Minute steaks, caramelized onions, American cheese and mayonnaise for spread
5. Broccoli rabe, sausage, provolone and olive oil for bread