I want to start off telling you about one of my favorite new cookbooks by saying that this book is not just for sandwich-lovers! Of course sandwich aficionados will be sated beyond words with the huge variety of paninis, but Kathy Strahs, author of the Panini Happy blog and The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook, creatively shows just how much a panini press can do beyond making sandwiches.
You can make things like Grilled Smashed Potatoes, Spinach-Feta Quinoa Cakes, Grilled Brie with Honey and Toasted Pecans, Grilled Apple Turnovers, and get ready for it – Homemade Ice Cream Cones! I can’t even tell you how excited I was to discover all these other uses for the panini press…uses that had never even entered my wildest imagination.
The recipes are fantastic, so let’s dive right in…
Grilled Pears
Thanks to Kathy, I found out that pears are absolutely delicious grilled. They take on a caramel-like flavor, but also retain their lovely floral aroma and flavor notes that pears are so loved for. Paired with honey-sweetened, vanilla-scented Greek yogurt and toasted almonds, this elegant dish would be perfect for dessert when you’re entertaining. (How simple and gorgeous would this be as an ending for a lovely holiday meal?) Of course the fact that it’s healthy as well as super quick and easy to put together (so much more so than roasted pears!) makes it also perfect for a fast breakfast during the week. I think I found a new favorite way to eat pears.
Avocado Bacon Toast
I try to eat at least two avocados a week, so I’m always looking for new ideas to use them. Avocado toast is one of my standby favorites, and this version with bacon is fabulous. (And the nice thing about making toast on a panini press is that you can toast quite a few pieces simultaneously, so no one has to wait to use the toaster!) I added a few rings of white onion to my sammy because I admit I am an onion freak. Feel free to leave that out, but definitely don’t leave out the sea salt and lime (or lemon…which is what I used because it’s what I had in my fridge). Like Kathy said, this meal is perfect any time of day – no need to wait for breakfast!
Salmon Teriyaki
When I was looking through the book, I couldn’t decide between Chicken Teriyaki and Grilled Salmon with Old Bay Aioli. Both sounded amazing, so I decided to combine the two into Salmon Teriyaki. At first I honestly wasn’t sure how fish would fare on a panini press, thinking it might stick. I am happy to report that it didn’t stick even a little, and this ended up being the flakiest, most tender salmon dish I’ve made in a while (which I completely attribute to Kathy’s fabulous recipe!). Just be sure to follow the recipe (and oil the fish and use fish with the skin on), and I’m confident you won’t have issues with sticking either. I will be making this one again and again…and again! Just look at how flaky that fish is, and with virtually no effort on my part. I served it on a bed of lentil salad and romaine lettuce and it was lunch perfection.
Mini Carrot Layer Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
In a word, this cake is genius. First and foremost, it is moist and full of flavor. Plus the fact that it serves one or two people makes it super cute (who doesn’t love mini-sized foods, right?). Also, that a cake can be baked on a panini press is pretty incredible. It’s perfect for when you want a sweet treat, but either you don’t want to heat up your whole oven, or you don’t have access to your oven, like when you’re moving or doing a kitchen re-model. In fact, I can see the panini press coupled with The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook revolutionizing the way people live when they’re moving or in the middle of remodeling!
I chose to feature recipes other than panini to show you just a few other things that the panini press can do, but I also adore grilled sandwiches and couldn’t resist trying a few. The Pulled BBQ Chicken Panini was everything a BBQ chicken sandwich should be – sweet, savory, saucy, and gooey! Served with a simple cabbage slaw on the side, it was the perfect meal. I also made the Kale, Grill-Roasted Garlic, and Cheddar Panini, which was incredible. Kathy is really gifted at little touches – like roasted garlic in this kale panini – that truly take a dish’s flavor profile to the next level.
And I have my eye on quite a few other paninis: Cheese Steak Panini; Turkey-Apple Panini with Fig and Gruyere; Greek Shrimp Panini with Pesto, Feta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes; and Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Panini, to name just a few. I was in awe of how many unique, delicious-sounding flavor combos there are in this book, and trust me, my list could go on for at least another 20 items that I want to try.
I also really like the way the book is organized by main ingredient (such as poultry, seafood, etc.), with the panini recipes in the front of the chapter and “More From the Panini Press” in the back after the panini recipes. And in addition to recipes, Kathy also includes a few helpful sections at the beginning of the book, like Panini Presses – The Ins and Outs; How to Use a Panini Press; Ingredients for Perfect Panini; and Grilling Beyond Sandwiches. This book is indispensable for anyone who wants to get more use out of their panini press.
And (hint, hint), in conjunction with a panini press, this book would make an amazing holiday gift for any college student. I remember dorm life all too well, and I know that if I had had a panini press, it would have made my life a heck of a lot easier. And healthier, lol.
Now on to the giveaway...I am so excited to be giving away three (3) copies of The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook to three (3) lucky giveaway winners, and one (1) Frigidaire Professional Panini Grill to one (1) lucky winner! (Thank you to Harvard Common Press and Frigidaire for their generosity!)
To participate in this giveaway, leave a comment on this post telling me what’s in your favorite sandwich.
For extra entries, you can do any of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):
-
- Tell me the craziest thing you’ve ever cooked on a panini press. (I made the cake from Kathy’s cookbook on my panini press…it turned out great!)
- Like Panini Happy on Facebook.
- Like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
- Follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
- Follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
- Tweet the following: Enter #giveaway to win a copy of @KathyStrahs’s The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook or a @Frigidaire panini grill! http://bit.ly/17zWNst
You do not need to have a blog to enter this giveaway. For shipping purposes, this giveaway is only open to U.S. residents. This giveaway ends on December 11, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST. Once the giveaway ends, the winner will be randomly chosen and notified via email. The winner will have two days to respond with their mailing information, otherwise a new winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck to all!
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook (Harvard Common Press; September 2013), and the publisher is also providing the cookbooks for this giveaway. Frigidaire is providing the panini grill for this giveaway. As always, opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items, which helps me keep this site alive – thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!
Pamela Gurganus says
I tweeted. https://twitter.com/PJGurganus/status/411134462928228353
Pamela Gurganus says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
Pamela Gurganus says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
Pamela Gurganus says
I like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Pamela Gurganus says
I like Panini Happy on Facebook.
Pamela Gurganus says
I've never made anything on a Panini press, but am hoping to!
Pamela Gurganus says
My favorite sandwich is a Cuban with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread.
Annette says
My tweet: https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/410875257302417408
Annette says
I Follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter. (@ThatTuxedoCat)
Annette says
I Follow Panini Happy on Twitter. @ThatTuxedoCat
Annette says
I Liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Annette says
I Like Panini Happy on Facebook.
Annette says
The craziest thing I've ever cooked on a panini press would be pancakes.
Annette says
My favorite sandwich has sun dried tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and fresh mozzarella.
Karen Lynch says
I tweeted about your giveaway.
Karen Lynch says
I like Edible Mosaic on Twitter
Karen Lynch says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
Karen Lynch says
I like Edible Mosaic on Facebook
Karen Lynch says
I like Panini Happy on Facebook
Karen Lynch says
We did s'mores on our press.
Karen Lynch says
Almost any sandwich made toasted with warm insides is a favorite. I tend to lean toward chicken, avocado, oil &vinegar with herbs. Would love this cookbook to create new sandwiches.
Sherry says
I love a turkey, spinach, Gouda cheese panini with honey mustard.
Liz Thomas says
I have liked An Edible Mosaic on facebook.
Liz Thomas says
My favorite sandwich is grilled brie and apple. The fresh crisp in there makes it delicious!
Kerrey Reyes says
I liked Panini Happy on FB.
Kerrey Reyes says
I like An Edible Mosaic on FB.
Kerrey Reyes says
Craziest thing I've ever made on a panini press? Nothing, yet, until I win!
James says
Braised short ribs with cheese. Love it when the cheese gets all melty and develops a crust.
Urban Wife says
I've actually never used a panini press...crazy, right?! If I did, I would make one of those decadent chocolate/Nutella/ strawberry grilled cheese paninis.
Rebecca says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on twitter
Rebecca says
I like An Edible Mosaic on facebook
Rebecca says
I love sandwiches! Turkey, Spinach, Bacon and Avocado with spicy mustard sounds good right now...
Pam says
I tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/WhamBP/status/409719778467532800
Pam says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on twitter.
Pam says
I follow Panini Happy on twitter.
Pam says
I like an edible mosaic on facebook.
Pam says
I like Panini Happy on Facebook.
Pam says
I've never owned a Panini press so I've never made anything crazy!
Koko @ Koko Likes says
Mac N Cheese!
Dawn says
Recently grilled cheese sandwiches have been on the menu often. Ironically I love hot sandwiches, but don't have panini press. Thanks for the giveaway!
Meredith says
I don't own a panini press so I've never made anything crazy on it. But I'd love to win so I can try!
Anne says
Never pressed anything cause I don't have one to press.
Annette says
I love turkey, roasted red peppers. swiss cheese, with cilantro mayo on homemade bread: yum!
Emily says
not totally crazy, but pressed PB, Banana, Honey, and coconut bacon!
Ana says
My favorite sandwich is beets, goat cheese, arugula and pickled onions!
DRTVrMoi says
https://twitter.com/DRTVRMoi/status/408980316259233792
I tweeted the contest
DRTVrMoi says
I don't own a panini maker but I do a sneaky substitute. I wrapped my sandwiches in foil and use my iron to 'grill' it. I learned this from my mother and it's fast and fun
DRTVrMoi says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter
DRTVrMoi says
I follow Panini Happy on FB
DRTVrMoi says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on FB
DRTVrMoi says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter
DRTVrMoi says
There is nothing like a grilled cheese with bacon sandwich. I die.
Michelle says
My fave sandwich is a grilled cheese but with lots of yummy cheeses like gruyere and truffle Gouda and of course some added bacon!
Linda Montes says
I tweeted @ feaelu...
https://twitter.com/feaelu/status/408863127690686464
Linda Montes says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
Linda Montes says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
Linda Montes says
I have liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Linda Montes says
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.
Linda Montes says
I don't own a panini press, but I think I would love to make something with turkey,avocado,red onion, tomato on a chiabata roll.
Melissa says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/justtellmewhen/status/408847116253921280
Melissa says
Following you on twitter (@justtellmewhen)
Melissa says
I follow Panini Happy on twitter (@justtellmewhen)
Melissa says
I love grilled cheese sandwiches with jalapeño peppers and sriracha sauce!
Robin says
I love all types of sandwiches. And I could really go for a fish taco - does that count?
Shannon Younger says
A brie with fig butter sandwich ....
Aubrey says
The craziest thing I have made on a panini press would be toasting the cut off tops of morning glory or blueberry muffins and the cafe I used to work at. We would toast them and spread butter and drizzle honey on top. Glorious!
Aubrey says
There is nothing better than a good ol' BTL! With avocado, and on toasted multigrain bread. YUM!
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/408820585754415104
Dana says
following an edible mosaic on twitter
Jessie C. says
Follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
Dana says
following panini happy on twitter
Jessie C. says
Like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Jessie C. says
Like Panini Happy on Facebook.
Dana says
liked edible mosaic on facebook
Jessie C. says
I like tuna sandwiches
Dana says
liked panini happy on facebood
Dana says
My favorite sandwich is mashed avocado, grilled zucchini, fresh mozzarella and sliced tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar on ciabatta bread.
Andrea D. says
I am a facebook fan of yours. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Andrea D. says
I am a facebook fan of Panini Happy. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Andrea D. says
I have never cooked on a panini press so I don't know what you can do but what is normal. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Andrea D. says
I love a good crescent roll with ham, turkey and cheddar. It is awesome. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Christi says
It would have to be the Cuban, with slow roasted pork and a citrus marinade, yummy!
Karen Koval says
I tweeted #giveaway to win a copy of @KathyStrahs’s The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook or a @Frigidaire panini grill! http://bit.ly/17zWNst
Karen Koval says
I follow you on Twitter
Karen Koval says
I follow you on Facebook
Karen Koval says
I am following Panini Happy on Twitter
Karen Koval says
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook
Karen Koval says
Make that Turkey. lol
Karen Koval says
I don;t own a Panini Press but if I did I would do a thurky, pepperjack, lettuce and tomato panini. Yum.
Lottie says
I love a ham and mozzarella cheese with pesto made in a panini. I need to try some new recipes. A cake made in a panini press? Amazing!
Haylee says
Grilled chicken and broccoli rabb.
Tricia says
My favorite Panini is turkey with avocado mayonnaise, roasted red peppers, provolone cheese, red onion, spinach leaves on ciabatta rolls
Lottie says
I liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Lottie says
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.
JoAn says
My favorite sandwich is BLT with avocado, red onion, and Vegenaise.
Linda S. says
I follow Panini Happy on twitter (@ljskop).
Tracy says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
Tracy says
I follow you on Twitter.
Tracy says
Tomato, pesto, olivada, provolone, arugula, red onion on baguette.
isabel says
well, your bacon and avocado looks like it could be my new favorite!!
thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Abby says
Follow Panini Happy on Twitter
Abby says
Follow you on Twitter
Abby says
Like Panini Happy on FB
Abby says
Like you on FB
Abby says
I've never made anything crazy in a panini press, but only because I don't have one!
Abby says
I love grilled PB and banana!
cde says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter
cde says
I follow Panini Happy on Facebook
cde says
I tweeted Enter #giveaway to win a copy of @KathyStrahs’s The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook
cde says
I follow An edible mosaic on Twitter
cde says
I like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook
cde says
I love a mean buffalo tofu sandwich on gf bread of course
Margot C says
I posted a tweet too: https://twitter.com/AnnaZed/status/408708065009991681
Margot C says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter where I am @AnnaZed.
Margot C says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter where I am @AnnaZed.
Margot C says
I like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook as Margot Core.
Margot C says
I like Panini Happy on Facebook as Margot Core.
Margot C says
I made a fantastic (if unconventional) panini with mushrooms, pancetta bits (already cooked), arugula eggplant and goat's cheese on dark heavy multigrain once that was pretty amazing.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I Follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I Follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I Like Panini Happy on Facebook.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I like Edible Mosaic on FB
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I am not sure if I have done crazy things on a panini press. A hot dog maybe? But that cake sounds intriguing.
Marty says
My favorite sandwich would be turkey, bacon, provolone, avocado, onions, mayonnaise.
Linda S. says
My favorite panini is chicken with avocado, arugula, red onion, and horseradish sauce.
Lora Lee says
I like PH & EM on Facebook.
Lora Lee says
My sandwich favorites are mozzarella with fresh tomatoes and basil!
joselle merritt says
Avocado and cheese (and tri-tip if I have some on hand).
danielle says
Anything cheesey!
Hillary S says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
Hillary S says
I liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Hillary S says
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.
Hillary S says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter
Hillary S says
I have never used a Panini Grill... Am excited to hopefully win! :)
Hillary S says
I am boring! :) I like Turkey and cheese
Sarah H.P. says
My favorite sandwich has goat cheese spread, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado!
sarah daniels says
I love a brie and jam :)
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming says
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming says
I liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming says
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming says
waffles on a panini press
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming says
goat cheese, lots of greens, roasted veggies!
Katie says
I love pizza- like panini with pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and onion. Yum!
Haley @ Cheap Recipe Blog says
I like EM on FB
Haley @ Cheap Recipe Blog says
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter
Haley @ Cheap Recipe Blog says
I follow EM on Twitter!
Haley @ Cheap Recipe Blog says
I like Panini sandwiches that combine sweet with savoury flavors. Like a meat, cheese, and jam or apple butter! Thanks :)
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
i follow edible mosaic on twitter
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
i follow panini happy on twitter
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
i like edible mosaic on fb
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
i like panini happy on fb
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
I don't have an official panini press but using my grill pan and cast iron skilled I've made apple and poblano pepper paninis and grilled peaches and cream.
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
Amazing! I had no idea how versatile a panini press was, now I absolutely can't live without one! ;}
I love a stacked veggie sandwich with jicama, black bean tapenade, sprouts, avocado, tomatoes, spicy mustard and cheese.
Sarah says
The craziest thing I've ever cooked in a panini press is a quesadilla… not very exciting, but I never knew all the things you could do!
Sarah says
My favorite sandwich is fairly simple: fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and basil! I'd love a panini press to make it all melty!
Erica says
I always forget about my panini press! I think I made chicken on it one time - but thats pretty much the craziest thing :)
Rosa says
Gorgeous food and lovely book! Great recipes indeed.
Cheers,
Rosa
RJ says
It's a tie between Corned Beef and Swiss on Rye and Turkey, Avocado and Bacon on Sourdough.
Nice giveaways, Good luck everyone.