Panninis and a GIVEAWAY!

It’s been a while since I had a giveaway here. Don’t you think? I also had every intention of hosting this giveaway last week, but there was some unexpected drama that popped up. fortunately, the drama I posted about previously is finally settling down, and I am able once again to enjoy my daily routine.

This post and giveaway is compliments of Land O Lakes… most people know them for their butter, but- have you tried their cheese? Yes, they make cheese and oh boy is it gooooood. I have a $25.00 Visa gift card and a free cheese coupon up for grabs, too!

Now, when I was little I remember my mom always saying: “We’re a paycheck away from being in the goverment free cheese line!”

I loved cheese, so I never understood why she said it like it was a bad thing. She really should have just said that we were almost broke. I would have understood that a lot better.

Anyway… I have free cheese for you! And a gift card… because you’re going to want to buy a pannini maker. I have had mine about three weeks and used it six times. It’s up there with my mixer as one of my FAVORITE kitchen things.

The one I have is made by Hamilton Beach… it has a floating lid which basically means you can make really fat sandwiches. Wanna know what kinds I’ve invented? Of course you do…

steak, arugula, onions, mushrooms and Swiss

cucumber, dill, and Harvarti

pesto, Mozzarella and roasted red peppers

grilled chicken, Colby and green apples

and the classic American grilled cheese

Oh… all the possibilities.

Can’t you almost taste it?

You can do these in a pan, just be careful in the flipping process.

Start with some hearty bread… I used a bakery Italian loaf that was unsliced.

Then you pile on whatever you fancy for a filling.

I LOVE arugula.

I think this would taste good even untoasted… but a little coating of salted butter and a few minutes to crisp… well, that takes it one step above and beyond sandwich heaven. Wrap it in foil and pack it in a basket with some fruit- instant picnic.