Friday, November 21, 2008

A Week of Dinner: Friday


Mozzarella and Ham Panini

Serves 4

* 1 large loaf Italian bread (8 ounces)
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
* 4 ounces shaved deli ham
* 2 ounces baby spinach, 2 cups, loosely packed
* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Split bread horizontally. Layer one side with mozzarella, ham, and spinach, beginning and ending with mozzarella, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go. Close sandwich. (Mozzarella being in direct contact with bread on both sides will hold sandwich together as cheese melts.)
2. Brush a large baking sheet with some of the oil. Place sandwich on sheet; brush top with remaining oil. Place another baking sheet on top (cover bottom of sheet with aluminum foil, if necessary), and press down very firmly.
3. Bake panini, pressing down top baking sheet once or twice during baking, until cheese has melted and sandwich is golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into 4 pieces, and serve.

Cherry Tomato Salad

Serves 4

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine mustard, lemon juice, and oil; season with salt and pepper, and whisk to combine. Add tomatoes, and toss to coat.

3 comments:

Shawna B. said...

And exactly what time should I be there? I'll bring drinks if you'll just make me one of those paninis!

wandering nana said...

Thanks for all the recipes... can hardly wait to try some.

michelle said...

We had panini for lunch yesterday. I think the cherry tomato salad would improve even the best sandwich!