Olive Tapenade For Your Panini Food

MINI CHEESE SANDWICHES (PANINI WITH MOZZARELLA AND OLIVE TAPENADE)

Steps:

• Spread bread pieces on a work surface. Spread 1/2 tablespoon olive tapenade on half the pieces, then cover with a slice of mozzarella, then cover with the remaining bread slices. Butter both sides of the sandwich and grill in batches in a panini press until browned on both sides. Put on a platter and cover with foil to keep warm until serving.
• Put anchovies, garlic and thyme in a blender or food processor and puree. Add olives and olive oil, and pulse to a smooth paste. If it is too thin, add more pitted olives. If it is too thick, add more olive oil.

MUFFALETTA WITH OLIVE TAPENADE

Steps:

• Divide the bread lengthwise. Scoop out some of the dough-y interior and reserve for another use.
• Combine the olives, oil, pickled vegetables, red peppers, parsley, vinegar, garlic and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Spread half of the olive tapenade on the bottom half of the bread. Layer the salami, provolone, capicola, mozzarella, mortadella and the rest of the olive tapenade. Top with the other half of the bread and wrap the entire loaf in plastic wrap. Top the wrapped sandwich with a cast iron pan and set aside to rest for 1 hour. To facilitate easy cutting, skewer the muffaletta with 4 skewers and cut into 8 even triangles.

TAPENADE FOR PROSCIUTTO AND PESTO PANINI

Steps:

• Coarsely chop olives garlic, capers, anchovies, and lemon zest on a parchment covered cutting board. Place chopped mixture in a bowl. Add pepper, mustard, parsley, and stir in enough olive oil to bind the mixture together.

OLIVE TAPENADE RECIPE

Steps:

• Pit your olives. Some olive varieties are easier to pit than others. Help yourself with a knife. Keep pitted olives together, discard pit.
• Decide if you want to use a mortar and pestle or a food processor. *see Notes

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN PANINI

Steps:

• Heat your panini press or pan to med. high - high. Brush one side of each piece of bread with olive oil. Cut the chicken into thin strips.
• Place bread, olive oil side down. Place a layer of provolone, then spread a thin layer of olive tapenade. Add a layer of chicken, a layer of tomato slices and then a layer of the chorizo. Top with another piece of bread, olive oil side out. Repeat for additional sandwiches.
• Place sandwich on pan or press, cooking till both sides are golden brown (with a pan, you'll need to flip the sandwich). Cut in half and serve immediately.