Panini Pepper Jam Sandwich

Panini Pepper Jam Sandwich

sourdough bread

deli smoked turkey

fresh spinach

sliced strawberries

sliced avocado

sliced brie cheese

red pepper jam

cooking spray

panini press

This is my latest favorite panini!  The combo is just delightful, prefect for a girl's night, something special for you or for a get-together.  Don't let the red pepper jam scare you either, it gives a great surprise.  It will leave you thinking..... "Hmmm, what was that yummy flavor!"  Okay, you can substitute the jam for a spicy mustard or a pesto mayo.  It's fun to give options if your are having company too.

So, this is so easy!  Slice up your fruit & veggies.  Then, I like to put all the items on a tray.  It will be pretty to the eye & easy for building your paninis.  This is the exact order that I use, which allows you to spray the top piece of bread when you are done assembling, flip it into the pan with the cheese on the bottom, then spray the top slice of bread.  A very easy method!

Here goes.  Take a slice of sourdough and spread on the red pepper jam.  Now, layer your avocado, strawberries, spinach, smoked turkey & lastly the cheese.  (We want the cheese to go down into the pan first, so it will for sure melt.)  Add your last piece of bread, then spray the top with cooking oil.  You can use butter, put the spray is figure friendly & oh so easy.

Time to put it in the pan.  Make sure your stove is just on medium, you are going for a golden brown.  Simply flip in over, very gently, placing the spray side down and the cheese being closest to the bottom.  Then, spray the top piece and place on your panini press.  I have mine pictures here to the right.  If you don't have one, no problem.  You can foil a brick, use a small iron skillet or use a regular skillet and place something heavy in it.  Technically you can even smash is with your hands, but traditionally it's pressed.

Once the bottom is golden, flip it carefully back over to do the other side.  If the cheese isn't quite melted, I turn down the heat a little more & allow it to stay on longer.

I like to serve this with a bowl of soup!