12 January 2007
One of the many things my wonderful parents have given me lately is a panini press. Oh, sure, you might think that a panini press would be pretty low on the list of priorities one has when filling a new house. I mean, how many paninis does a person ever eat, anyway? Well, I've long wanted one, and look! -- you can use it to make french toast:
Oh yes, I felt very clever, using my panini press to make french toast. Quesadillas? Why not! Toasted peanut butter sandwich? Sure! Fried eggs? Hmmm. . . I'll have to think about that.
But, of course, you can also use it to make, you know, paninis (not made on the proper sort of bread, I know):
Mozzarella and fake bacon (commonly called facon, at least by me). I don't know what it is that makes a sandwich taste better when it's pressed rather than just grilled in a pan. Maybe it's just the heat being applied more evenly/directly? Cooking more quickly equals less moisture lost? The weight compresses the flavour into a smaller, flatter, tastier sandwich? I'm tempted to believe the last one, but I'm not a sandwich scientist. I just know what I like.
* The title -- Okay, the world isn't really my panini. But I imagine if certain presidents were more fanciful, they might think thoughts like that. Must smash the world!
ohh, i have been wanting a panini press for some time now and it seems so extravagant for sandwiches... but i agree, a warmed and flattened sandwich is just so good. i am going to have to really consider this now....
posted by stephanie s at January 13, 2007 12:48 AM
I totally love mine as well. You make them look pretty stylish
posted by Isabel at January 13, 2007 05:07 PM
i love the panini press... i tend to go for the last theory, something about the flattening & compressing... and the wonderful way that the inside is hot & gooey (if you've put cheese in, which i like to do) and the outside is perfectly crisp. mmm.
posted by amisha at January 13, 2007 09:09 PM
I agree! My partner thought I was mad and put a panini right at the top of the list for useless kitchen gadgets but he is completely sold on it now. We do all sorts of bread (baguettes, bagels, etc. Fanastic for grilled veggies too - portobello mushrooms, zucchini, etc. Excellent for veggie burgers. You can grill the veg then chuck them into some interesting bread with yummy cheese and viola you have a gourmet sandwich that is good enough to serve to guests! Great idea about french toast. Yes I too am a little scary in my love of my panini press!
posted by Tanya at January 14, 2007 02:02 AM
I got a panini press from my parents, too!
We call it the sandwich squisher and I am ALL OVER making French toast with it--thanks for the idea!
posted by Heels at January 16, 2007 11:00 PM
That French Toast looks fantastic! That is so awesome that you have a panini press!!
posted by Christina at January 18, 2007 08:07 PM