Panini for Dummies

Ham-cheese-and-Arugula Panini

One of the most -often-used gadgets in our kitchen is the Panini press.   It makes sandwiches instantly warm and crispy.    Ham and Cheese with Arugula Panini is one of the sandwiches I made last week for lunch.  The procedure is very very simple but I am writing it here for my children; they want me to record all the foods that I cook at home. 

The quality of sandwiches depends on the ingredients used.  (Like you didn't already know.)  The mayonnaise can be skipped if you are trying to cut on fat.   Whenever we get a chance to get them, I also like to put sprouts (alfalfa, broccoli, etc.) and basil to add a different flavor.  

Ham-Cheese and Arugula Panini

Ingredients:
4 Slices of wheat bread
1 tbsp. Mayonnaise (optional)
1  tsp. Dijon mustard
12+ arugula leaves
      Sliced red onions
2-4   Slices of swiss cheese
8 ounces Thinly sliced Black Forest Ham


Step by step Procedure:
1.  Preheat the Panini press to # 5-6.*
2.  Make the sandwiches making sure that the chesses are piled along the center
    Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard evenly on to one side of two bread slices.
    Divide the arugula leaves and onion into two (sandwiches) and lay them over the mustard.   Arrange 4 ounces of ham over the vegetables.
   Top the meat with one or two slices of cheese making sure to pile them in the center of the bread so that they will not leak out during the process.
 Complete the layers with the other slices of bread.
3. Grill.  Place in Panini grill press until deep brown marks appear on the surfaces of the bread or when melted cheese begin to show on the sides of the sandwiches.
(*In the absence of a Panini press, use a preheated grill or sauté  pan.  Press down the sandwiches using a heavy pot.  Turn when one side is brown.  Cook the other side until melted cheese begin to show.)
4.  Enjoy.  Cut the sandwiches in half and serve with fruits on the side.