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

Fast & Fresh: Turkey Salad Sandwich

Today I'm making you a Super Sandwich!

A classic sandwich that's been updated so it's easy to prepare at home but every bit as tasty as the version you get in a restaurant.


Today's sandwich is a variation of the classic Chicken Salad Sandwich.  Every bit as good, but with a twist by using fresh roasted turkey instead.  How fun is that?  I was in the store the other day and having a comfort food attack, so I bought a fresh roasted turkey breast half.  You should be able to pick one up next to the rotisserie chickens.  I wanted to have turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy...longing for Thanksgiving I guess!  So when I bought this we had our wonderful dinner but only ate several slices off this gigantic half breast that I bought.  I was going for the medal on this one, picking the biggest turkey breast thinking it was so juicy, and tender (which it was!) but not thinking of all the leftover turkey. Ha!


So what to do with the leftovers???  Well a couple of things came to mind.  But since I had some beautiful croissants on hand, why not make a Turkey Salad Sandwich!


I made this for dinner last night.  I always say a great meal doesn't have to be flashy and complicated to satisfy you.  This sandwich is all about "less is more".  The ingredients are simple, but the best part is  that it is made with olive oil mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt so it's low in calories, and tastes good too!


To give this sandwich a little zip, I added dried cherries, and fresh tarragon.  A little further variation from the classic.


Do you all know about Greek yogurt?  This yogurt is popular all over for it's creaminess.  It's thick and mild tasting as well.  It's gaining more and more popularity in the US every day.  It's usually made with whole-fat cow's milk, and is good for you.  Make sure to check it out if you haven't tried it yet.  Makes a great dip too!


So if you want a nice light dinner that's Fast & Fresh, turn to this sandwich.  It would be equally  good served without the bread, in a lettuce cup.  Or you could seve it in tortilla or wonton cups that you've baked and molded in the oven.  As popular as this is everyone will enjoy this version.

Turkey Salad Sandwich


Serves 4


4 c chopped turkey
3/4 c diced celery
1/2 c dried cherries
1/4 c olive oil mayonnaise
1/4 c plain Greek yogurt
1/4 c fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 c minced green onions
2 T fresh lemon juice
1 T fresh tarragon, minced
salt & pepper
1/2 c cashews, roughly chopped
4 croissants, cut in half
4 leaves of green or red leaf lettuce


Combine the turkey, celery, cherries, mayo, yogurt, parsley, green onions, lemon juice, and tarragon in a bowl.  Mix together to combine.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Chill until ready to serve.  


Just prior to serving add cashews.  To serve, take each split croissant and add 1 leaf of lettuce on the bottom side.  Add turkey salad, dividing among the 4 croissants.  Serve immediately, and store and leftovers in the refrigerator up to two days.

Cherry Berry Smoothie

You know how I love my summer fruit right?

Well I just got back from Sprouts, which is a store with a farmer's market concept.  The primary items are fruits and vegetables.  They also have a great bulk item section, and many organic foods, if you like that too.  I go for the great selection of fruits and veggies at such great, great low prices!  Make sure to try them out if you have one in your area.  Definitely worth going!


So I bought a car load of fruits.  I'm always doing that.  It's my weakness and I can't help it!  So I have to eat a LOT of fruit every day so it doesn't spoil.  This week I bought grapes, cherries, apples, watermelon, cantaloupe, plums, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.  See what I mean???


I really can't help myself....


So I woke up and decided to make one of my favorite drinks...a smoothie!  I've posted many many smoothies recipes before, but I think I might just say this is one of the best, if not THE BEST.  I'm torn...


This is a Cherry Berry Smoothie.  I started off with adding some berries, (blue and black) and then came the cherries, and I threw in some green grapes just for good measure!  Oh,  I got to use my handy cherry pitter...love that gadget!  It just pops the pits out! Simple!!  What is your favorite gadget??


Back to the smoothie.  It's sweet all on it's own so sugar or nectar isn't necessary.  And I forgot the banana, but it was loaded with fruit it came out thick and creamy anyway!  So try this. You'll see, it delishhhhh!


Just look at this color...purple is my favorite...who wouldn't love this!

Cherry Berry Smoothie

Serves 1

1 10oz container of lite vanilla yogurt

8 blackberries

10 blueberries

7 pitted cherries

5 green grapes

¼ c 2% milk

1 cup of ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender in order listed and then blend until smooth and ice is crushed.