Caprese Panini

So today since Bobby didnt have the day; we couldnt have lunch together, BUMMER!

Instead, Claudia came over and was granted the title of taste tester #5.

Made my own basil pesto for the recipe instead of doing purchased pesto. Bobby got me my first food processor so i was super excited to use it. The pesto came out pretty good but i used a little too much olive oil. I didnt go by much of a recipe really, ive just watched so many cooking shows so i pretty much know what to add and when to add it. I just used fresh basil, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, a little parmesan cheese and salt & pepper. Pulse it a little before you add the oil, when its minced up fine, slowly add the oil until its liquidity but not insanely. Id say the measurement for the oil would be about a cup. A little less oil next time for me and it wouldve been perfect, still was pretty good though for a first attempt.

Not too many ingredients and a little FYI: George Foreman grill makes great paninis! For the Caprese Panini (Cuisine At Home), you can either make it in a skillet to toast the bread or try a small grill.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp capers; drained
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 slices sourdough bread, 1/2 inch thick
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 6 oz fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
• salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add tomatoes, capers and pepper flakes; sauté until tomatoes break down; about 3 minutes.

Off heat, add vinegar.

Brush oil on one side of each bread slice, spread other side with 1 tbsp of pesto. Arrange mozzarella and tomato mixture on pesto side of one of the slices, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with other slice of bread, oiled side up.

Toast sandwiches on both sides and until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Since Claudia was my only taste tester this afternoon, this critic is solely based on her taste buds.

She claimed it was amazing and she ate not only her sandwich but the other half of mine! So i guess it was pretty delicious. Even though i was a little hesitant on the pesto, she said it was really good nonetheless. I had to agree with her. It was pretty tasty. Happy Times!

Tomorrow is dinner again and everyone in my house is pretty excited. Its getting goooood...