Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Ingredients to Keep on Hand


If you have certain basic items on hand at all times great panini will just be minutes away. Of course, it's all a matter of personal taste. After making a few different panini you'll start to recognize the flavors you like best. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Bread


MUST HAVE: Sliced sourdough - it grills well and is also excellent for non-grilled sandwiches and breakfast toast, so you're not likely to waste it
NICE TO HAVE: Pita, rye, ciabatta, focaccia, raisin bread, puff pastry, english muffins, french rolls

Cheese

MUST HAVE: Sliced cheddar - goes well with many types of sandwiches, or great as a snack on its own
NICE TO HAVE: Asiago, mozzarella, pepper jack, blue cheese, swiss, havarti, gruyere, provolone

Meat

MUST HAVE: Deli meats - any deli meat can be a good candidate for panini
NICE TO HAVE: Rotisserie chicken, fish filets, eggs, bacon, prosciutto, flank or skirt steak, turkey, shrimp, pulled pork

Condiments

MUST HAVE: Mustard, mayonnaise, olive oil, butter - these versatile ingredients are great accompaniments to nearly all types of panini
NICE TO HAVE: Pesto spread, olive tapenade, sundried tomato spread, mango chutney, peanut butter, preserves

"Goodies"

Often it's the "extras" that make the sandwich: red onion, avocado, apples, spinach, arugula, tomatoes, chocolate

Stock your refrigerator and pantry and get grilling!

More from the Panini 101 series:

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