Turkey Italian Panini & a Product Review

I'm on a sandwich kick this week, but I always like a good sandwich on the weekends.

Weekends are always pretty busy, running errands, doing housework and such.  A sandwich is a quick and easy meal, filling, and can be created with so many variations.  Whatever your taste there is a sandwich for you!

Panini's are all the rage.  Do you own a panini press?  There are some great ones out there.  I do have a confession to make though.  I don't own one...nope.  But what's a bigger confession, is what I do own.  Remember that certain famous boxer that created his mean lean grilling machine??  Yep, I must say that I bought a small Foreman Grill for myself way back when.  And you know what?  It's a great panini maker!!!  So that's what I use.  If you don't have a maker, or a Foreman grill like me, you can use a grill pan and just put another heavy skillet on top of the sandwich.  That works just fine.

The idea is to grill the sandwich and to weigh it down so that it compresses.  It's also super  yummy.  A hot, gooey sandwich. Yum!

This one is Italian in spirit.  Flavors of Italy such as pesto, and artichoke lend that certain creaminess and bite to the sandwich to take it up a notch.  Williams-Sonoma makes an awesome spread called ’wichcraft Panini Spreads -  Artichoke Parmesan Pesto Panini Spread.  It truly takes this panini to a new level.  Artichoke Parmesan pesto features fresh artichokes, toasted pistachios and nutty Parmesan cheese.  This spread is also great with roasted meats, burgers, or for use with appetizers.  Make sure to stop by Williams-Sonoma and pick some up. This is a great buy.

So with all the bold flavors accompanying some deli fresh roasted turkey, you'll have a great sandwich.  Serve it on some nice wheat bread for extra nuttiness.  This is a great lunch!

Turkey Italian Panini

serves 1

2 slices of wheat bread, crusts removed

¼ c shredded Gouda cheese

2 heaping Tablespoons of  Artichoke Parmesan Pesto Panini Spread*

3 slices of deli roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced

1 large tomato slice

1 tsp mayonnaise

Olive Oil cooking spray

Take one of the bread slices and place the shredded Gouda cheese on top.  Carefully spread the pesto artichoke spread on top of the cheese.  Add the turkey slices.  Top with the tomato.

On the second slice of bread spread the mayo and top the sandwich.  On the outsides of both slices of bread lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray to assist with grilling.

Place in a heated Panini maker and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and grill marks are pronounced.  

** Product used:  Williams-Sonoma's Artichoke Parmesan Pesto Panini Spread