Recipe Swap: Italian Paninis

Recipe Swap time! The theme for this swap was "too hot to cook". I submitted my recipe for pinwheels, and received Proscuitto Paninis from Cookaholic Wife. I love proscuitto and fresh mozzarella so naturally I was very excited to make this sandwich. The recipe uses a panini press, but you don't need one- just make it like a grilled cheese (it will be a bit thicker). I was all ready to make my sandwiches, and I realized I forgot Proscuitto! Ugh why do you do this to me pregnancy brain! I am seriously getting ready to throw in the towel on grocery shopping...  Anyways, I figured the sandwich would be just as delicious sans procuitto (more like a caprese panini I suppose?). Needless to say I left out the proscuitto and ended up with a delicious sandwich! I love the melty mozzarella with the tomato and fresh greens. I even added a drizzle of aged balsamic for an additional kick. Yum! Next time I make this I will certainly be remembering proscuitto, but this vegetarian version was absolutely delicious! Check out Cookaholic Wife's blog for more delicious recipes! The Bacon Lover's Mac and Cheese is perfect for my husband!

Ingredients

8 slices fresh mozzarella

4 tomato slices

1/2 cup spring mix lettuce

4 basil leaves

4 hearty rolls or bread slices

salt and pepper

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

butter

Instructions

In a skillet heat about 2 1/2 Tablespoons over medium heat. On 4 slices of bread a small amount of butter on each side. Place 2 slices butter side down in skillet.

Layer 1 slice mozzarella, basil, greens, tomato, and remaining mozzarella onto the bread. Lightly salt and pepper the sandwich, and drizzle with balsamic.  Top with remaining 2 slices of bread.

Cook sandwiches until golden brown on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Flip sandwiches and cook until golden brown on the other side and the cheese has fully melted, about 2-3 remaining minutes. If the bread turns golden brown before the cheese has fully melted, reduced stove heat to low. Remove from heat and enjoy!