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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):
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- 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!
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
Free Bonus
I tweeted. https://twitter.com/PJGurganus/status/411134462928228353
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
I like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
I like Panini Happy on Facebook.
I’ve never made anything on a Panini press, but am hoping to!
My favorite sandwich is a Cuban with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread.
My tweet: https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/410875257302417408
I Follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter. (@ThatTuxedoCat)
I Follow Panini Happy on Twitter. @ThatTuxedoCat
I Liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
I Like Panini Happy on Facebook.
The craziest thing I’ve ever cooked on a panini press would be pancakes.
My favorite sandwich has sun dried tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and fresh mozzarella.
I tweeted about your giveaway.
I like Edible Mosaic on Twitter
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
I like Edible Mosaic on Facebook
I like Panini Happy on Facebook
We did s’mores on our press.
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.
I love a turkey, spinach, Gouda cheese panini with honey mustard.
I have liked An Edible Mosaic on facebook.
My favorite sandwich is grilled brie and apple. The fresh crisp in there makes it delicious!
I liked Panini Happy on FB.
I like An Edible Mosaic on FB.
Craziest thing I’ve ever made on a panini press? Nothing, yet, until I win!
Braised short ribs with cheese. Love it when the cheese gets all melty and develops a crust.
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.
I follow An Edible Mosaic on twitter
I like An Edible Mosaic on facebook
I love sandwiches! Turkey, Spinach, Bacon and Avocado with spicy mustard sounds good right now…
I tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/WhamBP/status/409719778467532800
I follow An Edible Mosaic on twitter.
I follow Panini Happy on twitter.
I like an edible mosaic on facebook.
I like Panini Happy on Facebook.
I’ve never owned a Panini press so I’ve never made anything crazy!
Mac N Cheese!
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!
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!
Never pressed anything cause I don’t have one to press.
I love turkey, roasted red peppers. swiss cheese, with cilantro mayo on homemade bread: yum!
not totally crazy, but pressed PB, Banana, Honey, and coconut bacon!
My favorite sandwich is beets, goat cheese, arugula and pickled onions!
https://twitter.com/DRTVRMoi/status/408980316259233792
I tweeted the contest
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
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter
I follow Panini Happy on FB
I follow An Edible Mosaic on FB
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter
There is nothing like a grilled cheese with bacon sandwich. I die.
My fave sandwich is a grilled cheese but with lots of yummy cheeses like gruyere and truffle Gouda and of course some added bacon!
I tweeted @ feaelu…
https://twitter.com/feaelu/status/408863127690686464
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
I have liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.
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.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/justtellmewhen/status/408847116253921280
Following you on twitter (@justtellmewhen)
I follow Panini Happy on twitter (@justtellmewhen)
I love grilled cheese sandwiches with jalapeño peppers and sriracha sauce!
I love all types of sandwiches. And I could really go for a fish taco – does that count?
A brie with fig butter sandwich ….
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!
There is nothing better than a good ol’ BTL! With avocado, and on toasted multigrain bread. YUM!
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/408820585754415104
following an edible mosaic on twitter
Follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
following panini happy on twitter
Like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
Like Panini Happy on Facebook.
liked edible mosaic on facebook
I like tuna sandwiches
liked panini happy on facebood
My favorite sandwich is mashed avocado, grilled zucchini, fresh mozzarella and sliced tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar on ciabatta bread.
I am a facebook fan of yours. Thanks for the chance to enter.
I am a facebook fan of Panini Happy. Thanks for the chance to enter.
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.
I love a good crescent roll with ham, turkey and cheddar. It is awesome. Thanks for the chance to enter.
It would have to be the Cuban, with slow roasted pork and a citrus marinade, yummy!
I tweeted #giveaway to win a copy of @KathyStrahs’s The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook or a @Frigidaire panini grill! http://bit.ly/17zWNst
I follow you on Twitter
I follow you on Facebook
I am following Panini Happy on Twitter
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook
Make that Turkey. lol
I don;t own a Panini Press but if I did I would do a thurky, pepperjack, lettuce and tomato panini. Yum.
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!
Grilled chicken and broccoli rabb.
My favorite Panini is turkey with avocado mayonnaise, roasted red peppers, provolone cheese, red onion, spinach leaves on ciabatta rolls
I liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.
My favorite sandwich is BLT with avocado, red onion, and Vegenaise.
I follow Panini Happy on twitter (@ljskop).
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
I follow you on Twitter.
Tomato, pesto, olivada, provolone, arugula, red onion on baguette.
well, your bacon and avocado looks like it could be my new favorite!!
thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Follow Panini Happy on Twitter
Follow you on Twitter
Like Panini Happy on FB
Like you on FB
I’ve never made anything crazy in a panini press, but only because I don’t have one!
I love grilled PB and banana!
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter
I follow Panini Happy on Facebook
I tweeted Enter #giveaway to win a copy of @KathyStrahs’s The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook
I follow An edible mosaic on Twitter
I like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook
I love a mean buffalo tofu sandwich on gf bread of course
I posted a tweet too: https://twitter.com/AnnaZed/status/408708065009991681
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter where I am @AnnaZed.
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter where I am @AnnaZed.
I like An Edible Mosaic on Facebook as Margot Core.
I like Panini Happy on Facebook as Margot Core.
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.
I Follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.
I Follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
I Like Panini Happy on Facebook.
I like Edible Mosaic on FB
I am not sure if I have done crazy things on a panini press. A hot dog maybe? But that cake sounds intriguing.
My favorite sandwich would be turkey, bacon, provolone, avocado, onions, mayonnaise.
My favorite panini is chicken with avocado, arugula, red onion, and horseradish sauce.
I like PH & EM on Facebook.
My sandwich favorites are mozzarella with fresh tomatoes and basil!
Avocado and cheese (and tri-tip if I have some on hand).
Anything cheesey!
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
I liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter
I have never used a Panini Grill… Am excited to hopefully win! :)
I am boring! :) I like Turkey and cheese
My favorite sandwich has goat cheese spread, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado!
I love a brie and jam :)
I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.
I liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.
I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.
waffles on a panini press
goat cheese, lots of greens, roasted veggies!
I love pizza- like panini with pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and onion. Yum!
I like EM on FB
I follow Panini Happy on Twitter
I follow EM on Twitter!
I like Panini sandwiches that combine sweet with savoury flavors. Like a meat, cheese, and jam or apple butter! Thanks :)
i follow edible mosaic on twitter
i follow panini happy on twitter
i like edible mosaic on fb
i like panini happy on fb
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.
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.
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!
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!
I always forget about my panini press! I think I made chicken on it one time – but thats pretty much the craziest thing :)
Gorgeous food and lovely book! Great recipes indeed.
Cheers,
Rosa
It’s a tie between Corned Beef and Swiss on Rye and Turkey, Avocado and Bacon on Sourdough.
Nice giveaways, Good luck everyone.