I’ve committed a lot of time to the sandwich at 4plates. Creating unique sandwiches, finding ways to use leftovers to make a sandwich, talking about sandwiches, and of course, eating sandwiches. I’ve declared that the sandwich is my husband’s favorite food group, and other than the banana, it could quite possibly be the perfect food. According to Alan Davidson’s Oxford Food Companion, the origin of the sandwich is generally attributed to the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu. He was said to have eaten his food in the form of a sandwich to avoid having to stop playing cards. Meat tucked between two pieces of bread, kept the cards free from meaty, greasy fingers… lovely.
The sandwich has evolved far beyond the Earl’s slab of meat on bread. Almost every culture has their own version of the sandwich. It’s no surprise that the Italians have perfected the marriage of meat and bread with their panini sandwich. Whether made on a hearty ciabatta, perfectly baked focaccia or slices of Italian boule, it’s fantastico! We received a panini press years ago as a gift, and I have to admit we use it often. It makes the insides deliciously melty, and the bread gets that perfect grilled crunch. No oil or butter needed on the outside of the bread, eliminating unnecessary calories. I have a Delonghi machine, but there are many brands & styles available. For around fifty bucks, you can get yourself a nice electric panini press.
GRILLED CHICKEN WITH APPLES & BRIE
INGREDIENTS
- Sliced grilled chicken breast
- Sliced Granny Smith apples
- Brie cheese
- Whole grain baguette
- A schmear of Dijon
ROSEMARY HAM, MANCHEGO & FIG PRESERVES
INGREDIENTS
- Sliced ham (Serrano or I use Boars Head Rosemary Ham)
- Manchego Spanish cheese, sliced
- Fresh rosemary (just a few chopped leaves sprinkled inside the sandwich)
- Fig preserves
- Hearty sliced Italian boule or other rustic bread
FRESH MOZZARELLA, ROASTED PEPPERS, BASIL LEAVES & BALSAMIC
INGREDIENTS
- Sliced fresh mozzarella
- Whole basil leaves
- Roasted red peppers (jarred is fine here, just pat them dry before putting on the sandwich)
- Sliced Italian bread
- Drizzle of good balsamic vinegar
MIX AND MATCH PANINI PAIRINGS
Many a panini has been made in our kitchen. Here is a list of a some delectable ingredients that you can put between a hearty hunk of bread. It’s like the old Chinese restaurant menus… pick one from column A, two from column B and pray the fortune cookie you picked has you winning the lottery.
MEATS: Prosciutto, capicola, spicy soppressata, grilled chicken & good quality sliced turkey
CHEESES: Goat cheese, smoked or fresh mozzarella, super sharp provolone, fontina, Manchego & brie
VEGGIES & GREENS: Arugula, baby spinach, swiss chard, kale, artichokes, sliced avocado & of course, tomatoes
GRILLED VEGETABLES: Eggplant, zucchini, red peppers, Portobello mushrooms, yellow squash & red onions
SPREADS & SAUCES: Basil or sun-dried tomato pesto, fig or raspberry preserves, olive tapenade, balsamic drizzle & Sriracha for that spicy kick
* Don’t forget you can sweeten it up too. Nutella and banana could be the best combo yet!
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