Ruugle's Household Products

Our children have grown up and moved out and it’s just my husband and I. We live on a small farm in Oklahoma and we seem to be busier than when the kids were home. In looking for ways to make quick easy meals I found a toasted sandwich maker or Panini maker. With these you not only can make sandwiches but also make a variety of healthy low fat recipes. A Panini maker can also be used as a stove top grill. Living in Oklahoma can mean days and days of wind so having a stove top grill sounded like a great option.

Le Creuset has a great reputation and the Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Panini Press was highly rated by Cooks Illustrated. Reviews on Amazon raved about the quality of the Le Creuset Panini Press. It seemed that most of the reviewers used it more for grilling meats and vegetables than sandwiches. Dimensions of the Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Panini Press is 20.5 x 13.4 which would make it great for making larger meals. A good toasted sandwich maker needs to have some weight to it for even heating and browning. This grill weighed 15.2 pounds which will ensure that the heat transfers well over entire pan and press will be weighted enough for pressing and browning. The sides are also high enough to contain any juices or cheese that may leak out.

This Panini maker is larger than you need for cooking for two but would be good for a family or for entertaining. The All Clad Panini Maker was a smaller stove top grill so I purchased one of them and have been very pleased with it. I’ve found the best way to preheat is to preheat pan and press on medium heat. It is best to preheat pan and press on separate burners. It is also necessary to spray pan and press with non-stick cooking spray or grill with a little oil after preheating.

For a good toasted sandwich baste or spray olive oil on a slice of ciabatta bread, layer with smoked gouda, sliced turkey, roasted red bell peppers, a slice of onion and tomato, another slice of gouda, top with slice of ciabatta that has also been basted with olive oil and grill. In 5-6 minutes you’ll have a wonderful toasted sandwich.

I have tried grilling meat with my new Panini maker and it was great! Below is one of our favorite steak recipes which is also excellent for venison.

Garlic and Rosemary Steak

1/2 C. olive oil

1/2 C. soy sauce

1/4 C. red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar (I prefer balsamic vinegar)

9 large garlic cloves, minced

4 tsp. dried rosemary, crumbled

1 one-inch thick boneless top sirloin steak

If grilling on a stove top grill it is best to remove the bone and trim fat from meat. Cut into serving portions and tenderize. Combine first 5 ingredients and add meat. Marinate at least 1 hour or I prefer overnight. Remove meat from marinade and pat dry. Preheat pan on medium heat and lid on a separate burner on medium high heat. Spray a non-stick spray on press and lid and grill until meat is done to your liking.

Grilling asparagus on a stove top grill works fantastic. Grilling asparagus only takes 2-3 minutes and you do not have to reheat grill press. I tossed asparagus in olive oil, salt and lemon pepper, removed meat from stove top grill and added asparagus. Put the press on top and with the residual heat left is quickly cooks the asparagus.

Let your imagination run wild! Create your own sandwich maker recipes!

I always say, a recipe is merely a guide!

Lea Ann Gingerich loves to eat!!! Fortunately, she also loves to cook healthy low fat recipes that are quick and easy. For more Panini Maker recipes and ideas go to http://www.toastedsandwichmaker.blogspot.com/

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