Ciabatta Panini Food

BREAKFAST PANINI

Steps:

• For the pancetta: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 2 baking sheets with vegetable oil cooking spray. Arrange the pancetta in a single layer on each baking sheet. Bake until golden and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes.
• For the jam: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, figs, and brandy (or apple juice) over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Pour into a food processor and add the hazelnuts. Blend until smooth and thick.
• Preheat a panini press. Spread the bottom half of each roll with the jam. Place 4 slices of cooked pancetta on top and add 2 slices of cheese. Place the top half of the roll on top of the cheese. Grill in a panini maker until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted, 4 to 5 minutes. Cool slightly and serve.
• Cook's Notes:
• -To toast the hazelnuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly toasted. Cool completely before using.
• - For easier slicing, freeze the cheese for 15 minutes

TOMATO MOZZARELLA PAN BAGNAT

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette, whisk the shallots, garlic, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper together in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, stir in the anchovies (if using), capers, and olives, and set aside.
• Core the tomatoes and slice them 1/3 inch thick. Place the bottom halves of the ciabattas, cut side up, on a sheet pan. Place a layer of tomato on each bread, spoon on 2/3 of the vinaigrette, add a layer of mozzarella, and sprinkle with the basil leaves. Spoon the remaining vinaigrette on the cut sides of the ciabatta tops and place them, cut side down, on the sandwiches. Place a second sheet pan on the sandwiches and put weights on top, such as cans of tomatoes. Allow the sandwiches to sit at room temperature for an hour for the flavors to blend.
• Heat an electric panini press and toast the sandwiches for 5 to 10 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the mozzarella starts to melt. Cut each sandwich in half and serve warm.

CIABATTA PANINI

Steps:

• Preheat panini press and lightly oil the grates.
• Place a slice of provolone cheese on both top and bottom pieces of ciabatta bread. Layer 3 slices pancetta and 1/4 cup spinach over the 4 bottom slices of bread. Divide tomato, bell peppers, and onion equally among the sandwiches. Drizzle each sandwich with about 1 teaspoon each olive oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Replace tops of ciabatta rolls and brush with the remaining olive oil.
• Place sandwiches on the panini grill; close the press tightly on top. Cook until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

PANINI SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Preheat grill pan or panini machine to medium heat.
• Spread center of each roll with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise. Assemble sandwiches with remaining ingredients, except butter. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spread small amount of butter on top and bottom of each roll; place sandwich either in pan on onto panini machine and grill. Cook 5 to 7 minutes.
• (If using a pan, press sandwich down with a pan lid. Cook sandwiches about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until bread is toasted.)
• For mayonnaise: whisk all ingredients together in small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.