Authentic Italian

This is an easy and delicious panino/sandwich to have for a perfect lunch or light dinner. The beauty of making panini is that you can follow the basic instructions of preparing one, but you can put whatever toppings you like on it. It's a great dish for customization. This recipe is a classic take on a margherita style sandwich, adding sauteed chicken and prosciutto. Recipe Ingredients 4 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast 2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 tbs. balsamic vinegar 1 6 inch piece baguette 3 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced 3 slices ripe tomato 3 slices prosciutto 5 basil leaves or lettuce Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Instructions 1. Using a mallet or rolling pin, pound chicken breast until it's about 1/4 inch thick. 2. Heat cast-iron skillet or a grill to medium-high. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Cook cut sides of bread until nicely charred, then flip bread and cook a minute or two more to warm through. Place on a plate. 3. Pour one tablespo...

This sandwich (panino in Italian) is a take on the classic Caprese salad or Margherita pizza in a sandwich form. It combines the delicious, fresh ingredients of Tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese and Basil, drizzled with Balsamic vinegar. This is perfect summertime lunch, especially grilled. Recipes Ingredients 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1 (8 oz.) piece of crusty bread, your choice 1 tbs. olive oil Roughly 12 basil leaves 5 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Cooking Spray (try to use an olive oil-based spray) Instructions 1. In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium heat and cook until reduced to about 3 tablespoons. 2. While the vinegar is reducing, brush the cut side of the top of bread with olive oil. Top evenly with basil, cheese and tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush the cut side of the bottom half of bread with reduced vinegar. 3. Coat the pan with cooking spray ...

Sandwiches in Italian cuisine are often referred to as Panini (Panino, singular). Various cured meats and cheeses are usually used inside the sandwich and then they are grilled with a large brick on top of it to make it more of a thin sandwich. These can also be done in a pan. There is no right or wrong fillings for these and they make a great snack or lunch. Recipe Ingredients 2 slices of your favorite bread 1 tbs. pesto sauce (see my recipe for pesto, you can also buy it made) 3 slices of prosciutto 2 oz. fresh mozzarella 1 handful of arugula A drizzle of olive oil Salt and pepper Instructions 1. Spread pesto over each slice of bread. 2. Thinly slice the mozzarella to however many pieces you desire and add to one slice of bread. 3. Layer the prosciutto and arugula over the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Close the sandwiches. 4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Make sure you press t...