Turkey-Tomato Panini

I forget sometimes when I'm blogging that everything I put on here doesn't necessarily have to have a wow factor. I'm not saying all of my recipes do have that (or any of them for that matter), but sometimes I don't think to post simple and "uneventful" recipes.

Lunch is a very important part of our day. For me, it serves as a one hour of escape from the craziness of the office where I can take a breath and regain energy for the afternoon. Since purchasing my home, I decided that lunch at home is one way I can really save on my food expenditures. So most days I come home for lunch, fix a sandwich and chill out. I have the luxury of doing this since I live so close to my office.

Not only does it save on money though, lunch at home can help save on the waistline. By carefully choosing the types of food you eat, you can actually be living FAR more healthy than if you went out to eat every day. In fact, most of my at-home lunches are right around 350-400 calories. You can't find that at Subway!

A typical lunch for me involves three things - turkey, provolone and Roma tomatoes. This is one of my favorite sandwich combinations. Another important feature of lunchtime at my home is my panini machine. My brother bought this for me a few years ago for Christmas, and little did I know at the time how integral of a role it would play in my kitchen. However, I literally use this thing almost every day! (Thanks, Joey!)

Here's my turkey-tomato panini...or...aka everyday lunch!

Ingredients:

4-6 slices of turkey (or other meat of choice - If you look here, I used leftovers from a turkey breast I baked the day before)

1 slice provolone cheese

3-4 thin Roma tomato slices

mayo, mustard, etc.

OR...Spicy Mayo: 1 tablespoon light mayo mixed with 1-1.5 teaspoons hot sauce

2 slices of bread

Directions: Slap all the ingredients on the bread....place on the panini grill, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip sandwich and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Side suggestions: I love chips, so I usually eat those. But I also like to enjoy a fruit cup or yogurt from time to time.

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!)