I’m obsessed with my Panini Press
It’s one of my favorite kitchen tools and I’ve been using it a whole lot in the past few weeks. We go it for our wedding registry, I upgraded from my last one when we got married, and it’s seriously one of my favorite wedding gifts. We should all have one. And if you’re already married, not getting married for a while, don’t want to get married, whatever… I think we should be allowed to have registries for our birthdays. Right? That way everyone can register for a Panini Press
Let’s start that trend?
Last week I needed a grilled cheese/panini. It was just one of those days. I knew that it needed to involve Brie Cheese too. In case you’ve never had a panini with Brie, it’s utter perfection. It melts like whoa and it’s just awesome. I posed a question to my facebook friends about what kind of panini I should make and this was the answer! Brie, Fig Jam, Spinach and Asian Pear. The spinach was a last minute addition because I thought it needed something green! The panini turned out fabulously if I do say so myself. Everything about it was stellar and I happily ate it while trying not to think about how many minutes I’d have to spend in spin class to burn it off. Whatever. YOLO right?
Did I really just say YOLO. My husband is seriously disappointed in me. (you only live once – for those of you wondering) Side note. I got home from Palm Springs last night, I was out there visiting my parents and playing some tennis and soaking up some sun. Anyways, I walked into the apartment and went to get my nightly girl scout cookie… and low and behold…. THOMAS HID THEM FROM ME. What? Who is he? Does he even know what he’s done? This could get ugly.
Brie, Fig and Asian Pear Panini
Ingredients
- 4 slices whole wheat or raisin bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons fig jam
- 4 oz brie sliced about 4" long, 1/4" thick
- 4 thin slices of Asian Pear
- Handful of fresh spinach leaves
Instructions
- Preheat a panini press over medium high heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the fig jam on the unbuttered side of two of the slices.
- Place the butter side down of those two slices on a plate. Divide the Brie and Asian Pear between the slices on the plate and top a few spinach leaves and then top with the remaining bread, butter-side up.
- Place the sandwiches into the panini press and close the panini press. Cook the panini for about 4-5 minutes until the Brie starts to melt. Once the panini top is golden brown, remove the panini from the press with a spatula and serve immediately.
So melty and delicious! I love the sweet and savory combination with brie. Yum!
This sounds so lovely!
Oh my word… that photo with all the melty brie… heaven!
Hoooooooly cow, this has everything great in one pressed sandwich!
Brie and fig is my favorite panini combo, and my go-to meal when I’m home for lunch. Never tried it with pears, but it sounds amazing! Will have to add that in next time!
Coming over for lunch! I am serious!
Yes please on this sandwich. I am going to Palm Springs this weekend- can’t wait!!
Amazing flavour combo for a panini!
Gaby, what an amazing sounding combination! Looks so perfect – want it for lunch right now!
This looks ah-ma-zing! I’ve always loved brie and pear. Panini? Yes, that’s awesome! Hope you found your girl scouts cookies.
LOVE THIS COMBINATION!! GIVE ME PLEASE!
I have to say, there’s something slightly erotic about that cheese just melting all over the place like that. Ooooh, yeah.
This just makes me unequiovcally happy. Brie, fig and pear is one of the most drool worthy combos, like EVER. Oh and guess what – I got everything to make this at home. SO All over this!! Thanks Gaby!
I want to come over and eat another one with you!!!
I have to dig out my press! I think this would be great with my wheat sandwich bread. =)
I’m not sure how I’d feel about someone hiding cookies from me, just sayin. That’s crossing a line!
Now this is what I call a perfect sammy! Love it! xoxo
WOW! look at that cheese!! such great combinations of flavors! sweet and cheesy is right on!
Throw some proscuitto on there and you’ve got my dream sandwich!
OMG I wish I had done that!! Tomorrow 🙂
Yesssssssss.
I totally get what a grilled cheese kind of day is….most days lol but especially some days. I’ll have to bookmark this for one of those days 🙂
Wonderful flavors in this melty sandwich ~ want now!
This sounds like the most delectable fusion of flavored!
I love this panini idea!! I am currently experiencing a love affair with Brie and this is the perfect way to eat even more 🙂
I have a love affair with Brie too!! It’s a good thing to do 🙂
Mmmm I love me some brie and fig together!
such a good combo huh!
Brie is so under utilized in grilled cheese sandwiches it is great to see a pairing like this. We can’t wait to try this ourselves
Happy cooking
Oh my gosh. Just seeing that last photo with the molten, oozing brie made me weak at the knees! I love panini’s too. But no, I don’t have a panini press. Maybe my husband and I should do a ‘renewal of vows’ ceremony just so we can plan a panini press gift registry, haha… 😉 Thanks for this lovely recipe Gaby. Your site is lovely!
yes!! renewal of vows for panini press is the best idea EVER