Ah, the taste of Europe. Though panini is an Italian word, you'll find these hot, grilled sandwiches far beyond Italy's border. As a student in London, they were one of my favorite things for lunch on the run.
Just imagine oozing fresh mozzarella, basil's distinct bite, and tomatoes that actually had flavor all warmed between crisp and chewy baguette pieces.
Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to these simple ingredients. As a live-in nanny, I grilled countless sandwiches for the children's mom as she went flying out the door. Spinach. Grilled slices of zucchini or squash. Mushrooms. Onions. You name it.
And with Cuisinart's Griddler Panini Press, you don't even have to limit yourself to sandwiches. A floating hinge adjusts to accommodate everything from pancakes to portobello steaks to hunks of meat or massive subs. The sandwich press would be perfect for grilling Haloumi, a greek cheese. Or making fresh tortillas or chapatis.
The press measures 14 1/2 by 6 1/2 by 12 inches with upper and lower 11 by 7 inch nonstick, non-removable grill plates. Instructions, recipes, and a cleaning are included as is a 3-year limited warranty.
And though I'm not apt to want to revisit my nannying days, a warm reminder of my days in London does sound appealing. Alas, if only it were tomato season.
Here's a similar appliance to consider: the DeLonghi Panini Grill.
Find this Cuisinart Griddler:
Find this griddle on eBay:
| Cuisinart GR 1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Maker US $44.95 ![]() Auction Ends: 10d 41m Make it yours... |
| Cuisinart GR 1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press US $54.71 ![]() Auction Ends: 10d 7h 27m Make it yours... |
| Cuisinart GR 1 Griddler Panini Sandwich Press NEW GR1 US $46.44 ![]() Auction Ends: 8d 10h 41m Make it yours... |

