Lovin' Lunch

Before I started working from home I worked a boring 9 to 5 desk job. With only an hour break, my lunch time routine was pretty dull. A ham or turkey sandwich with a side of fruit. Or leftovers from dinner the night before. Or a can of soup or frozen TV dinner. And if I was really unprepared and unorganized a quick lunch out at a nearby fast food joint or sandwich shop.

Now that I am working from home my lunch time routine is a little bit more, you could say, flavorful. I get to spend a a few minutes in the kitchen preparing myself (and Eric, if he's lucky) a nice decent yummy lunch.

That's why I was really happy to see this recipe for a Cuban inspired panini. I love most any form of panini so I knew this would be good. And it was, with the crisp tangy pickle and melted provolone cheese with the OMG my favorite, sweet caramelized onions!

And don't fret if you don't have a panini maker just use your indoor (or outdoor) grill and this nice lunch (or dinner) can be yours in minutes!

Two Years Ago: Butterscotch Sweet Potato Cookie Sandwiches

Ultimate Panini
Printable Version
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Serves 4

2 large onions, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
4 slices provolone cheese
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
8 garlic-flavored sandwich pickle slices
8 slices Italian bread (1/2 inch thick)
2 tablespoons butter, softened

In a large skillet, saute onions in oil until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Spread mustard on one side of each piece of bread. Layer the cheese, ham, pickles and caramelized onions on four bread slices; top with remaining bread. Spread outsides of sandwiches with butter.

Cook on a panini maker or indoor grill for 3-4 minutes or until bread is browned and cheese is melted.

adapted from Taste of Home, February/March 2011