I figured since about half of you are still in a diabetic coma after that last post, I should probably do something that will bring significantly less havoc to your system due to sugar overload….
So how do you feel about a warm, hearty panini stuffed full of seasonal goodness?
I know, not quite as fun as ooey, gooey brownies, but still absolutely delicious. (Plus this one you can eat for dinner and not feel totally guilty. Because trust me, I ate one of the brownies for dinner this week and that was a poor life choice…..)
One of the things I love about fall is how fresh and crisp everything feels. The air. The leaves. The apples :) I went to the farmers market this weekend and picked up to the brightest, greenest Granny Smiths I’ve even seen. And while I was really tempted to turn them into caramel apple goodness, I resisted. Instead, I made a sandwich.
I know…it sounds exceptionally boring. But wait- this sandwich is not your ordinary sandwich. For one, it’s grilled, so I get to call it a panini which automatically makes it sound Italian and fancy. Plus this panini calls for special cheese. Not just any cheese. No shredded cheddar or prepackage mozzarella here. Nope- I had to go to the specialty cheese part of the grocery store and pick up some Gruyere- that’s how you know you’re money. ;)
This Panini incorporates melty Gruyere and tart apples along with savory ham for a fantastic (quick & easy) fall meal. Would pair great with a seasonal soup like baked potato or minestrone.
Adapted from this recipeWhat You’ll Need: (Makes 4 sandwiches)
2 Tbsp Butter, room temp
2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼ inch thick
1 tsp Dried Thyme
8 thick slices of Country-style Bread
½ cup Whole Grain Mustard
8 oz Gruyere, shredded
8 oz Deli Ham, sliced
What Do To:
1. Preheat your Panini press (or in my case, the George Foreman). In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apple slices and thyme, stirring occasionally until apples have slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes
2. Spread each bread slice with 1 Tbsp mustard. Arrange 1/4 cup of cheese on 4 of the bread slices and top with 2 oz of ham. Divide the apple mixture evenly on top of the ham. Add the remaining cheese and cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread.
3. Brush bread with leftover butter from the apples and grill on the panini press until cheese has melted and bread is toasted and golden brown.
Wow. This sandwich looks scrumptious. I practically eat a granny smith apple every day. What better way to work another one into my regimen than by this sandwich haha. PS, I think your site is adorable and I feel at home with a fellow nerd. :)
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