Cheddar & Havarti Panini
The only thing that makes these panini and not grilled cheese sandwiches is the panini press – something you don’t actually need to make panini. If you don’t have one, just put another skillet on top of your sandwich as it cooks – the idea is to just squish it, flattening and compacting it slightly – and for that you could really use anything that works. (Have you tried chocolate panini yet?)
The rosemary-sea salt bread from Bliss (that makes me want to add rosemary and a sprinkle of crunchy salt to my next batch of no-knead bread) made some mighty fine panini, but I was still too lazy to come up with anything more stimulating than just cheese. I had some apple chutney in the freezer that would have been fine spread inside, but it was frozen, and I was impatient. I did manage to squish a clove of garlic into a tiny ramekin of olive oil, and let it sit for a bit before brushing on the outside of the bread – this is something I’ve started to do on regular grilled cheese sandwiches as well. I do adore butter, but that’s part of the problem.
The heel of the loaf got torn into bits and dunked in the last of the oily puddle-yum.
I was convinced that upon my return I’d subsist for at least a few days on leafy green things, lentils and vegetarian soups, but my gut has a different agenda, and is accustomed now to all that good eatin’.
I picked up a new accessory at the ferry terminal – think it suits me?
One Year Ago: Chocolate Chip Cookies
May 04 2009 09:26 pm | leftovers
Cheryl on 04 May 2009 at 9:39 pm #
I can’t stop giggling… I need a copy of that photo – blown up large and in my office.
Christie @ Fig & Cherry on 05 May 2009 at 4:19 am #
That melting cheese looks Sooooo good! Absolutely adore the overweight tag… I can’t believe I didn’t think of that!
Manon from Ontario on 05 May 2009 at 5:04 am #
Oh Julie, my oh my, yesterday I tried on my spring clothes, and swimsuit…can I have your tag please!
I’m following my eating plan and started my walks, I will get healthier, and that’s that!
Give yourself a break, you were on holidays.
Have a great day
MFO
Barb on 05 May 2009 at 5:46 am #
Love the tag. Sounds like it has many our names written all over it! And yes,you were on a one week holiday. Give yourself a chance to get back into your rut (I mean routine) and you will level out again. I think.
Melissa@ For the Love of Health on 05 May 2009 at 8:34 am #
I love cheese and that melted cheese panini looks divine!It always helps to have amazing bread like the Bliss bread you used!
Yum!
sue.d on 05 May 2009 at 8:36 am #
Now, that panini with the rosemary and salt – if there is a heaven it will have lots and lots of melted cheese.
Aimee on 05 May 2009 at 10:23 am #
Bread and cheese: I could exist on it forever.Then, of course, I would need one of those tags.
Too funny!
Sarah on 05 May 2009 at 11:31 am #
That looks delicious. Melted cheese is the BEST…:-)
Thanks for sharing.
Erica B. on 05 May 2009 at 1:36 pm #
It just started raining. I think paninis and some soup is perfect for dinner tonight. Thanks Julie
Theresa on 05 May 2009 at 2:29 pm #
Love the bag tag. Sadly, I could use one of those too….
robin on 05 May 2009 at 2:46 pm #
oh man… that looks like heaven. i wish it were in my mouth.
Jen C on 05 May 2009 at 3:12 pm #
Panini’s look AMAZING! Bread looks amazing! Havarti is one of my fave cheeses but the possibilities are endless!!!
piccola on 05 May 2009 at 4:38 pm #
Next time you make panini or grilled cheese, try putting grated parmesan on the outside (it sticks to the butter/oil). It turns into a crispy cheese crust…
Erin M. on 05 May 2009 at 5:05 pm #
mmmmmmmmm…..and hilarious tag! I need one too
.
Pierre is a loser…enough said
JulieVR on 05 May 2009 at 5:11 pm #
Piccola – totally! I sometimes mix Parmesan with softened butter and spread it on the outside. I was too lazy to do it this time but kind of regretted not making uber 3-cheese panini… http://dinnerwithjulie.com/2008/10/03/day-276-grilled-cheese/
Jamie on 07 May 2009 at 11:53 pm #
LOL! I love the tag! I think we all need one! Love that sandwich, too.