Caprese Panini

*Caprese Panini*
Serves 1

This is a quick and delicious sandwich.  I was watching DD & D and this caught my eye.  I can't even remember the restaurant.  I wrote down what they did, but then lost the paper I wrote it on, so I kinda just made this up, based on what I could remember.  In any case, it is fabulous!

1 long panini bun
(I used a soft French Stick, about 9 inches long and 2 inches wide)
3 TBS soft goats cheese
1 TBS ready made basil pesto (or to taste)
a small handful of kalamata olives in brine, pitted and then chopped
a handful of artichoke quarters (You can use the roasted ones in oil, and herbs or tinned.  I
used tinned because they are lower in fat, but still delicious)
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
1 TBS french vinaigrette dressing
3 TBS grated Mozzarella cheese blend
generous handful of baby greens salad leaves mix

Split your roll in half, not quite all the way through, opening it like a book.  On the bottom half spread the soft goats cheese evenly.  Drizzle with the pesto, and then scatter the kalamata olives over top, along with the artichokes.  Top with a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes. Drizzle these with the french dressing.  Sprinkle the cheese overtop, keeping it from the edges.  Close up the sandwich.

Heat a large non stick skillet over medium heat.  Butter lightly.  Place the sandwich in, top side down at first and pressing lightly down.  Cook for a few minutes, then flip over and cook on the other side, pressing down.  It should be golden brown on both sides and crisp when done.  Remove from the heat to a cutting board.   Pull open and stuff with the salad leaves.  Be generous.  Cut in half on the diagonal and serve to one very lucky person!


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