Mmmmm.....

conceptualize

marinate carmelize braise

cut good bread and build

Hi there....(please excuse my feeble attempt at panini inspired haiku).  I left here on Friday so sad and teary eyed and I want to thank everyone for the words of wisdom and encouragement.  After a few good nights of sleep and sunshiny days  I'm feeling loads better.  I am absolutely ga-ga over my new panini press and am sure it will be living on my kitchen counter.  The kids were totally into making their own crispy, melty masterpieces and are continuing to brainstorm on new compositions of sandwich craft. My first panini was grilled chicken breast with vermont cheddar, thinly sliced tomato, balsamic onion marmelade and arugula...it was delish!  Here are a few more combinations I'm looking forward to trying: 

fried egg with bacon, gorgonzola and frisee

cheddar with smoked ham, poached pear and mustard

smoked turkey, brie and Mendecino Mustard

chopped chickpeas with roasted red peppers, black olives and feta

tuna with fennel black olives and black pepper mayo

....some of these are from Tom Colicchio's 'wichcraft book (thanks Mom!) and some are from my dreams about portable meals.  I've been a fan of TC since his days at Gramercy Tavern (the bar there is still my hands down favorite place in NY to chill out with a glass of wine and  small bites before a show or after a day of walking the city)