When I’m cooking for just me, I’ll often turn to making a Panini. I can load it full of good stuff and get a bit creative and have a fantastic custom meal rather than just leftovers and not create leftovers either! It’s a great way to use up little bits of vegetables (1/2 an avocado, a few slices of onion or red pepper, etc.) A win-win in my book! I also sometimes plan a simple sandwich and salad or soup (depending on the weather) for my youngest and I when I’m cooking for two. Not much more work to create 2 panani instead of just 1.
Tonight I was on my own and opted for a Panini on sliced sourdough with some roast beef from the deli, sliced avocado, sliced red onion, alfalfa sprouts and Boursin cheese. It was good, but just a touch bland. I remembered the sweet jalapeno jelly I had from the farmers’ market from Bolani’s and dipped the second half of the sandwich into that. Oh my. That’s what it needed–a little kick in the pants! Everything else was just smooth and sweet, although with a touch of earthiness from the sprouts which was welcome.
One of my other favorites had apple slices and cheddar cheese with the roast beef. I like the idea of some fruit in there and could also see doing some pear slices and blue cheese with roast beef.
I think a grilled sandwich also packs well for lunches and can be eaten at room temperature. My eldest used to love it if I made extra grilled cheese sandwiches and then packed one in her school lunch the next day. (Hint: They freeze well too and are thawed by lunchtime!)
What’s your favorite Panini (or non-grilled sandwich) combination?
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