Panini 101

It seems like panini presses and new panini recipes are all the rage right now.  But, don’t feel bad if you’re feeling left out of the panini loop.  They’re actually quite easy to make.  Let’s take a closer look at these grilled sandwiches that are so hot right now.

What is a panini? The term panini simply refers to an Italian sandwich made from a small loaf of bread, but the paninis which are so popular right now are actually grilled paninis.  They’re buttered on the outside and cooked in a panini press.

Paninis are fun to make, because you can include whatever vegetables, cheese, or meats that you like.  Experiment with new flavors, and see what you come up with! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Roma tomatoes,mozzarella cheese, and olive oil
• Sliced turkey, provolone, and spicy mustard
• Grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, and basil
• Sliced apple and cheddar cheese

You can use any kind of bread, or even croissants to make a panini.   Focaccia bread is a popular choice too.

Don’t have a panini press?  Here’s some excellent info on how to make your own panini press with 2 iron skillets.

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3. Garlic Chicken Mozzarella Bake
4. A Veggie Rice Casserole That ROCKS!
5. Easy Enchilada Recipe