Turkey Pesto Panini

I got a Panini grill pan for Christmas and am so excited to make fantastic sandwiches at home. This recipe came from what I had on hand that day. Eventually, I'd like to replace the store-bought pesto and focaccia with homemade. Someday!

Turkey and Pesto Panini

Ingredients

focaccia bread - cut into two slices

basil pesto

sliced turkey breast

provel cheese (provolone will work too)

olive oil

Directions

Heat pan to medium high heat.

Spread pesto on inside of one slice of bread. Add desired amount of turkey and cheese. Brush outsides of sandwich with olive oil.

Once pan is good and hot, grill for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it, because it will cook fast.

Basil Pesto Brie

I don’t have a great photo of this one because it just did not photograph well – but it was AMAZING. I bought a jar of pesto at the store the other day – maybe I’ll make my own one day, baby steps – and wanted to try making a cheesy pesto appetizer for Christmas Eve. It turned out really good except that there was an oil slick in the dish. I mopped up most of it with a paper towel. If I had made my own pesto, I would have just cut waaaaay back on the olive oil and it would have been fine.

Baked Brie with Pesto

Ingredients:

1 8oz Brie wheel
Pesto
Crackers or Bagel chips for dipping

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut the rind off the top of the brie wheel. Top with about 1/4 – 1/2 inch pesto
Bake for 20-30 minutes

Serve with a plain bread or cracker. Something with little to no flavor, as the pesto/brie combo is pretty amazing on its own.