Perfect for Every Occasion Panini

Have you ever noticed the labels at the bottom of each of my recipes?  They are a handy way to help you find the kind of recipe you want.  If you look on the lower right side of each page, you should see a list of all the different categories of recipes on this site.  Looking for a side dish?  I have 14 to choose from and you can see them all by clicking on "side dishes."  Obviously, some recipes are going to fall into more than one category; in fact, most do, but this recipe wins the prize, hands down, for the most!  This scrumptious sandwich would be great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a late night snack or dessert.  It's meatless, so it's good for vegetarians and Lent-observing Catholics, it's quick and easy, so it's great for the lazy, and it's kind of fancy, so even the highbrow can appreciate it.  For you simpler folk, don't be turned off by the word "panini," it's nothing but a hot sandwich that's been squished into deliciousness.  You can make this in a gourmet panini press, in a pan on the stove like a grilled cheese, or even in a George Foreman grill, like I usually do.  However, and whenever, you make it, it will be great!

Apple Pie Panini
Prep time: 5 min   Cook time: 5 min
Serves 4

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (you can get this at Wal-Mart near the deli section with the fancy cheeses)
1 1/2 Tbs honey
4 Tbs (1/2 stick) butter, softened
8 slices cinnamon raisin bread
1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
2 Tbs brown sugar 

Heat a panini press to medium-high heat.  Whisk the mascarpone and honey together until it’s well combined and fluffy.
 
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread to flavor the outside of the sandwich. Flip over and spread 1 tablespoon sweetened mascarpone on each. Top 4 of the bread slices with a layer of apples and close the sandwiches with the other slices, buttered side up. Sprinkle some brown sugar on top.

Grill two panini at a time, with the lid closed, until the fillings are warmed and the bread is toasted, with a sweet crust, 3 to 5 minutes. Top each sandwich with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, if desired. 

328 calories per serving.  Click here for more nutritional info and shopping list!