"Gourmet" Sandwiches/Paninis

Why I didn't post this before stupifies me. Especially during the summer when it's hot and no one really WANTS to "cook". Most everyone has a sandwhich press (or "panini" maker - stupid - its a press with lines in it they just charge more for it). I have a George Foreman grill/press (thanks to my Mother-in-Law who LIVED for infomercials - we have more of those grills, space bags, pedi-paws, grab-it, tweezie, buffer pads to remove leg hair, etc. & more than one, cause that just wasn't enough...). SO, there are two different types of quick recipes that kids AND adults will LOVE. First, the Chicken Alfredo. You don't HAVE to make it fresh (deeeeeep breath...in with the good air, out with the bad) and can use jarred Alfredo. Stand by, I need to grab a drink, I feel faint...OK. I suggest if this is the route you choose, go with Newman's Own. I say the Newman's because some of them are organic, don't really taste terrible and because of the charitable works and "Hole in the Wall" camps for terminal kids and their siblings. Not to mention they've donated GENEROUSLY to Green Chimney's - my son's school for kids with all different behavioral/emotional issues. So, there's my endorsement. :)

If you make it, chop up two/three cloves of garlic, simmer in butter, add light cream, grana padano grated cheese (I add a bit of Asiago and Fontina as well), fresh ground pepper and onion powder. Not too hard. SO, grill some chicken thats been cut into thin strips (in a bit of garlic and olive oil). You can do it in the pan or toaster oven on broil. Cut a pretty thick slice of Foccacia Bread or even just Italian Bread lengthwise - I use the Rosemary Focaccia and toast it VERY lightly before putting it in the press. I take two really large bags of fresh baby spinach, boil it rapidly, then throw it into cold water and drain/squish to get out the excess water. I PREFER Arugula, but the kids/hubby don't care for the taste. Toss the chicken in with the alfredo sauce so it is coated. Heat the press, spray with olive oil spray or butter flavor non-stick spray, put down one slice, cover with the spinach, add some drained roasted pepper or sun dried tomatoes, scoop on the chicken and alfredo sauce, cover with the second piece of bread and press. Leave it the whole time, or it will be mushy.

The second one is spicier. Same bread. Different contents. I use sliced beef (you can get roast beef cut thick at the deli and cut it into thin strips), tossed it into a fryer with garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper, chopped red onion, portobello mushrooms, chopped artichoke hearts. Put the bread down on the press, add horseradish spread (you can buy it at most delis) or chipotle mayonnaise (depends on your taste, I've tried both) sprinke gorgonzola/blue cheese over the bread, add the beef mix, a little more blue cheese, bread with a bit more horseradish or chipotle spread and press. DELICIOUS! Served with an ICE COLD BEER! You can make two sandwiches/panini's at a time usually. Serve also with Kettle cooked potato chips. Sure to make everyone happy! Enjoy.