No….this isn’t a post about the SlapChop (ha!)

This is a post about how much I am deeply, truly in love… with my…….

PANINI PRESS!!!!

(cue Hallelujah Chorus music)

My family and I were getting real sick of cold meat sandwiches. It is a great way to save $$ for lunches but it gets very monotonous.

Then I saw Oprah’s Favorite Things last fall and she talked about how she loved making paninis. And I thought to myself “What a great way to use up leftovers!” (deli meat, turkey, beef, chicken, etc)

So I put it on my Christmas list and my wonderful brother Braden got it for me!

Seriously you NEED one of these…. if you make most of your meals at home and you are trying to save $$ at the grocery store…this tool is a MUST (in my opinion:)

SO here are some of the recipes we have made…..and some tips below….

Italian Panini

Sourdough Bread

Ham (deli)

Spicy Salami (deli)

Provolone Cheese

Fresh Arugula

Red onion

Red pepper

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

I saute the onion and pepper on the stove with the olive oil and some Italian Seasoning, before putting it on the sandwich.

Four Cheese Panini

Ciabatta Bread

Mozzarella, fontina, asiago, parmesan cheeses

Sliced tomatoes

Fresh Basil

Fresh arugula

(you can substitute tomatoes and just make some tomato soup during the winter time!)

Turkey, Bacon Ranch Panini

Ciabatta Bread

Turkey (deli)

Bacon

Ranch

Cheddar or Monterey Colby Jack Cheese

Chicken Pesto Panini

Chicken (from this recipe)

Pesto Sauce

Monterey Jack Cheese

Green Pepper

Red Onion

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Again, saute the pepper and onion in olive oil and Italian Seasoning before putting it on the sandwich.

Ham and Pesto Panini

Ciabatta Bread

Ham

Pesto Sauce

Mozzarella Cheese

Pizza Panini

Italian Seasoned French Bread (what you would make garlic bread with)

Ground Beef or Ground Sausage or Pepperoni Slices

Pizza sauce or marinara sauce

Mozzarella Cheese

Tips

In my family’s opinion ciabatta bread is the best because it goes with all of these recipes, but the other recommendations taste great too.

The bread from our bakery is super huge….so I will make a whole sandwich and then only eat half of it ….other half is great for the next day’s lunch

You can use shredded or sliced cheese. Slices are NOT as messy when putting the panini together and transfering it to the grill.

NOW FOR THE SEASONING on top!

I melt a little bit of butter and put it on each side of the bread that will be touching the grill of the panini press. Or you can use Pam Butter Spray. Then I sprinkle Mrs. Dash Tomato Basil Garlic Seasoning on the top piece of bread.

Grill Time

I use the High Heat setting on my Panini Press.

Then I just watch until it looks like the cheese is melted or there is a little bit of a sizzle on the top of the bread.

ENJOY!