Ham, Gruyere, & Apple Panini

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 recipe

What 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.