Caprese Panini!!

And yes, I am back. That darn Christian Grey has preoccupied my summer!!!!! Fifty Shades - fun summer reading.

Anywho....I was looking for an easy week night meal AND have been wanting a panini maker for like ever... So, when Aldi had them for $25 I snatched one up.

Caprese Panini is a great and healthier alternative to pizza night (& probably cheaper)

4 slices of whole grain sourdough bread (I get mine at either Publix bakery or Trader Joes)
1/4C olive oil
1/2t Italian Seasoning
Dash of sea salt
1 plum (Roma) tomato - thinly sliced
1 small ball of mozzarella - thinly sliced
1C fresh basil leaves

Preheat your panini maker at medium heat (like a 5 or 6)

In a small bowl or coffee cup mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning & salt. Then, with a pastery or basting brush, brush the oil mixture onto one side of the bread.  Put the oil side face down on your work surface (cutting board or plate).

Build your sandwich.  Start with a layer of tomato, then cheese and finally the basil.  Place the 2nd piece of bread on top and again bruch the oil mixture on the top.  Now don't go crazy with the oil so it doesn't get soggy.

When your panini maker is ready - place the whole sandwich in there and close the top.  squish it down a tiny bit but you don't want to squish out the guts of the sammy.  It should take between 3-6 minutes, depending on your maker.  Just watch it and see.  When the bread is toasty and the cheese is melty it is done!  Repeat so you have 2 sandwiches.

A great red table wine is great with this quick, easy and light weeknight meal.  Want something a little more carnivorous?  Try putting a grilled chicken cutlet (a thinly sliced chicken breast) in the middle of the sandwich too.

Simple Fabulous Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is one of my “go to” things that I make in a pinch because I always have a ball (yes a ball) of fresh mozzarella in the freezer, usually a basil plant in the the window (or the garden) and a few tomatoes in the drawer.  And what self respecting Italian doesn't have olive oil?!

Anyway, I remember my favorite Caprese story...  Once upon a time, we decided to have an impromptu gals night at my house after work.  So a few of the gals came over and a couple of them don't cook.  Well, I went into action, whipping up my salad and they saw me grab the basil plant out of the window box and start plucking leaves.  One of them says to the other, “Oh my goodness – she just grabbed that plant out of the window and is going to feed us leaves?!  What is that stuff?”  The other one looks at her and says, “It's Michele.  I don't know and I don't care because I know it will be good.”  

Well, they ate the heck out of it and I told them not to worry, I wasn't feeding them just a random window plant.  It was basil.

This recipe is easy and quick – just slicing, arranging in a nice pattern on the plate and drizzle some olive oil – SIMPLE FABULOUS easy no bake appetizer Italian style!!!

Caprese Salad

1 ball fresh mozzarella  - cut in half and then sliced

20 fresh basil leaves - washed

2 -4 plum (Roma) tomatoes – sliced

1t Italian Seasoning

2-3T Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Looks super pretty on a pretty plate.

Alternate in a circle for a Christmas wreath look or in rows on a nice dish, the tomato, then a basil leaf, slice of mozzarella and repeat til it's all gone.  You can cover with plastic wrap if you are going to serve it later (up to 6hrs in the fridge).   When you're ready to serve it, sprinkle the Italian seasoning over it and then drizzle olive oil.  SIMPLE FABULOUS!

NOTE – for a great week night treat  get a Boboli or a Naan bread and just layer this on top and cook in the oven as directed.  Add some Sangiovese wine and SALUT!  A fabulous, fresh week night artisan pizza.