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Home » Cookbook Reviews » The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook {Review and Giveaway}

The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook {Review and Giveaway}

December 5, 2013 by Faith 160 Comments

The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook

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…

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

Giveaway (small)

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!

Filed Under: Cookbook Reviews Tagged: Avocado Bacon Toast, Cookbook Reviews, Gifts for College Students, Giveaways, Grilled Pears, Harvard Common Press, How to Cook During a Kitchen Re-Model, How to Cook Homemade Meals While Moving, How to Cook Without a Kitchen, Kathy Strahs, Mini Carrot Layer Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, Panini Happy, Perfect Gift Ideas, Salmon Teriyaki, The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook, What Can I Do With a Panini Press

Comments

  1. Annette says

    December 11, 2013 at 3:58 pm

    I Liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.

    Reply
  2. Annette says

    December 11, 2013 at 3:58 pm

    I Like Panini Happy on Facebook.

    Reply
  3. Annette says

    December 11, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    The craziest thing I’ve ever cooked on a panini press would be pancakes.

    Reply
  4. Annette says

    December 11, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    My favorite sandwich has sun dried tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and fresh mozzarella.

    Reply
  5. Karen Lynch says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:01 am

    I tweeted about your giveaway.

    Reply
  6. Karen Lynch says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:00 am

    I like Edible Mosaic on Twitter

    Reply
  7. Karen Lynch says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:00 am

    I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.

    Reply
  8. Karen Lynch says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:59 am

    I like Edible Mosaic on Facebook

    Reply
  9. Karen Lynch says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:58 am

    I like Panini Happy on Facebook

    Reply
  10. Karen Lynch says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:52 am

    We did s’mores on our press.

    Reply
  11. Karen Lynch says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:50 am

    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.

    Reply
  12. Sherry says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:18 pm

    I love a turkey, spinach, Gouda cheese panini with honey mustard.

    Reply
  13. Liz Thomas says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:02 am

    I have liked An Edible Mosaic on facebook.

    Reply
  14. Liz Thomas says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:59 am

    My favorite sandwich is grilled brie and apple. The fresh crisp in there makes it delicious!

    Reply
  15. Kerrey Reyes says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:53 am

    I liked Panini Happy on FB.

    Reply
  16. Kerrey Reyes says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:51 am

    I like An Edible Mosaic on FB.

    Reply
  17. Kerrey Reyes says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:50 am

    Craziest thing I’ve ever made on a panini press? Nothing, yet, until I win!

    Reply
  18. James says

    December 9, 2013 at 3:05 am

    Braised short ribs with cheese. Love it when the cheese gets all melty and develops a crust.

    Reply
  19. Urban Wife says

    December 8, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    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.

    Reply
  20. Rebecca says

    December 8, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    I follow An Edible Mosaic on twitter

    Reply
  21. Rebecca says

    December 8, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    I like An Edible Mosaic on facebook

    Reply
  22. Rebecca says

    December 8, 2013 at 3:18 pm

    I love sandwiches! Turkey, Spinach, Bacon and Avocado with spicy mustard sounds good right now…

    Reply
  23. Pam says

    December 8, 2013 at 11:31 am

    I tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/WhamBP/status/409719778467532800

    Reply
  24. Pam says

    December 8, 2013 at 11:30 am

    I follow An Edible Mosaic on twitter.

    Reply
  25. Pam says

    December 8, 2013 at 11:28 am

    I follow Panini Happy on twitter.

    Reply
  26. Pam says

    December 8, 2013 at 11:27 am

    I like an edible mosaic on facebook.

    Reply
  27. Pam says

    December 8, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I like Panini Happy on Facebook.

    Reply
  28. Pam says

    December 8, 2013 at 11:24 am

    I’ve never owned a Panini press so I’ve never made anything crazy!

    Reply
  29. Koko @ Koko Likes says

    December 8, 2013 at 11:15 am

    Mac N Cheese!

    Reply
  30. Dawn says

    December 7, 2013 at 11:42 am

    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!

    Reply
  31. Meredith says

    December 7, 2013 at 10:51 am

    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!

    Reply
  32. Anne says

    December 7, 2013 at 12:44 am

    Never pressed anything cause I don’t have one to press.

    Reply
  33. Annette says

    December 6, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    I love turkey, roasted red peppers. swiss cheese, with cilantro mayo on homemade bread: yum!

    Reply
  34. Emily says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    not totally crazy, but pressed PB, Banana, Honey, and coconut bacon!

    Reply
  35. Ana says

    December 6, 2013 at 11:22 am

    My favorite sandwich is beets, goat cheese, arugula and pickled onions!

    Reply
  36. DRTVrMoi says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:25 am

    https://twitter.com/DRTVRMoi/status/408980316259233792

    I tweeted the contest

    Reply
  37. DRTVrMoi says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:23 am

    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

    Reply
  38. DRTVrMoi says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:22 am

    I follow Panini Happy on Twitter

    Reply
  39. DRTVrMoi says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:21 am

    I follow Panini Happy on FB

    Reply
  40. DRTVrMoi says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:20 am

    I follow An Edible Mosaic on FB

    Reply
  41. DRTVrMoi says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:19 am

    I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter

    Reply
  42. DRTVrMoi says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:18 am

    There is nothing like a grilled cheese with bacon sandwich. I die.

    Reply
  43. Michelle says

    December 6, 2013 at 7:41 am

    My fave sandwich is a grilled cheese but with lots of yummy cheeses like gruyere and truffle Gouda and of course some added bacon!

    Reply
  44. Linda Montes says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:40 am

    I tweeted @ feaelu…
    https://twitter.com/feaelu/status/408863127690686464

    Reply
  45. Linda Montes says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:36 am

    I follow An Edible Mosaic on Twitter.

    Reply
  46. Linda Montes says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:32 am

    I follow Panini Happy on Twitter.

    Reply
  47. Linda Montes says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:31 am

    I have liked An Edible Mosaic on Facebook.

    Reply
  48. Linda Montes says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:30 am

    I liked Panini Happy on Facebook.

    Reply
  49. Linda Montes says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:25 am

    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.

    Reply
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Trackbacks

  1. The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook in the News » Harvard Common Press says:
    December 9, 2013 at 11:49 am

    […] 12/5/13 Review on An Edible Mosaic: “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.” Read full review here. […]

    Reply

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Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

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An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

meet faith

I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

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affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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