When we were searching for a sandwich to make with the wonderful tortellini soup that Paul cooked for dinner I thought about an apple panini. A few google clicks and I came upon this recipe by none other than Giada De Laurentiis. I threw caution to the wind and made it.
This sandwich is simple - slightly caramelized apples with butter and thyme, ham, gruyere cheese, and a touch of mustard. Good. Crazy good, actually. The sandwich lived up to my expectations and, unfortunately, I have craved it every day since. Drat! Give this recipe a try and tell me you don’t crave it too.
Ham, Gruyere and Apple Panini
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
8 (1/2-inch) thick slices country-style white bread
1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Gruyere
8 slices (8-ounces) Black Forest ham
In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly soft, about 4 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.
Preheat a panini press. Spread each bread slice with 1 tablespoon mustard. Arrange 1/4 cup of cheese on each of 4 bread slices and top with 2 slices of ham. Divide the apple mixture evenly on top of the ham. Add the remaining cheese and cover with the remaining 4 bread slices. Grill in the panini press until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes.
This sandwich looks delicious. I also just noticed on your side bat that you have been to Venice 7 times. That makes you an expert.
Posted by: bellini | January 31, 2012 at 08:22 AM
It was great belini; a great combination of flavours.
Posted by: JDeQ | February 20, 2012 at 08:26 AM