It is Maker Monday time again! I'm sure just about everybody has a panini press but I thought I'd share a little about mine. I have the Cuisinart G1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press, and I love it. To be completely honest when I first saw it in person I thought it was pretty small, and also didn't like the fact that you can't stand it up for storage...but once I started making paninis all doubts went away and I fell for this specialty appliance like just about everyone else who has reviewed it on amazon.I've never met a person who doesn't love a panini, even my ultra picky husband can find suitable fillings to make a sandwich he enjoys. And the kids, they love a panini pb & j, or a whole wheat banana nutella panini... Just about anything you can imagine can be magically transformed into an ooey gooey melty hot sandwich, add a salad and maybe a light soup, and you have a really easy dinner for the family, and everyone gets to pick their own panini fillings, so no complaints!
I've had this press for a couple years, it was a birthday present from my mom, who has nurtured my need to have specialty appliances since I was very young, I think I was the only little girl old who wanted a cappuccino maker from santa, and yes, santa delivered.
Here are some pictures of a 'mushroom avocado colby melt', my own little creation that turned out to be oh so delicious. I'm a sucker for melty veggie cheese sandwiches, you can put about anything in there on bread and it's delcious, and this sandwich is a new favorite. Just two thick slices of Honey French Bread, two thin colby jack slices, a little avocado (don't use too much or it will make the panini slippery inside and hard to eat), and one large mushroom, sliced. I added a little mayo and buttered the outside just a touch. You really don't have to, but I love how the crispy buttered sides take me back to a comforting grilled cheese. 
Put your sandwich on the preheated griddler and set down the lid, I like to press it down a bit at first to smoosh all the yummy stuff together, then let it cook for about 3-5 minutes.
Ta-Da! Perfect yummy panini! Enjoy!
5 comments:
I love our panini press too. Ours doesn't have the ridges though, I wish it did, they look so cool!
Also, I have heard that it is nice to drizzle a little good olive oil on them.
Isn't it great to have good tools? They make me so happy too.
Your panini looks perfect, very yummy.
Gooey cheese and avacado--what's not to love!?! I actually don't have a panini press--I keep telling myself I don't have enough room for one but you are tempting me...
BTW--Good catch on my soup post--it should have been vegetable stock not sauce! I replied back on my comments but wanted to make sure you got the correct info! ;-)
I couldn't live without my panini press! I can hardly even eat cold sandwiches any more. This magic machine turns any sandwich into an irresistible feast. Love it! You've given me great ideas -- I haven't tried a panini pb&j yet!
I actually don't have a panini press. I've contemplated buying one several times, but always come to the conclusion that it's just one more thing for me to move every three years. I use a brick (like one you use on a house) wrapped in foil. It works pretty well...
~Cat
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