Terrific Turkey Panini

Several months ago I had a hankering for a hot sandwich. I just love hot sandwiches. Since I go home for lunch most every day, I decided to break out the old panini machine my brother gave me and give it a go. I have been making paninis at least three days a week ever since!

Last night I decided to experiment with my panini for dinner. I was at the grocery store (which is never good when you are hungry) and bought the following items:

1/2 lb. Cracked Pepper Turkey (freshly sliced in the deli)
2 Roma tomatoes
Zesty guacamole dip
A small baby, brie
Romaine lettuce
Sara Lee Homemade Buttermilk Bread
Low-sodium bacon
Honey mustard dressing
Fat-free mayonnaise

And here is what I did:

First I plugged in and pre-heated my panini machine. I cooked the bacon (about 6 slices, but I only used one) in the microwave for about 6 minutes. (Usually one minute per piece.) Sliced one tomato into elongated pieces, sliced small piece of brie, and cut the lettuce into sandwich size pieces. Then I started putting it all together.

1. Spread mayo and honey mustard on each side.
2. Lay tomatoes on one piece and lettuce on the other.
3. Layer with 3-4 pieces of turkey
4. Place Brie and bacon on turkey
5. If desired, top with fresh avocado (which I prefer and they were out of at the grocery) or my supplemental zesty guacamole dip.

Next, I folded the sandwich together and laid it on the panini machine. I let it cook for about 3 minutes on one side, and then flip it to "press" it evenly. Remove and serve with chips, sliced fruit, potato salad, summer vegetables or whatever you desire!

This sandwich was exceptional, I have to say! I really enjoyed it, and might even repeat tonight. (I'm in to easy meals these days.) If you don't have a panini machine, you can always warm it in the oven, toaster oven, or in a skillet. However, if you have space, the Griddler is excellent. It also opens flat and works as an open grill or griddle! (Great for small orders of pancakes!)