tomato basil mozzarella sandwich - my favorite!

My friend Leigh made this sandwich for me recently and it became by new favorite!  Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients {I didn't specify how much - depends on how many you are making and how much of each ingredient you prefer}

Ingredients:

• Good mozzarella
• Fresh basil
• Tomato
• Bread of choice, sliced
• Olive Oil {I use extra light tasting olive oil when using with heat}
• Salt {I use sea salt}

1. Slice tomatoes & mozzarella, and chop basil :

2. Brush olive oil on tops of bread {TIP: If you don’t have a basting brush, you can simply pour a bit of oo on a plate and lightly place the tops of bread slices in… just enough to pick up a light coating of oo – this keeps the bread crispy!}

I'll do work like this on parchment paper when I need quick clean up. {A tip from my mom!}

3.  Layer the ingredients:  I like having the cheese against the bread, then some of basil, tomato, more basil, sprinkle salt, then top with a little more cheese.

4.  Press with a panini press {or on skillet using something to press it – another piece of cast iron or even a brick wrapped in tin foil}.

Cook until golden / light brown {about 5 minutes in my press}

Enjoy this type of sandwich with lots of different ingredients. When I’m at a lunch place that has paninis {or even gourmet pizzas!} on the menu, I’ll make note of great ingredient combos to try… pesto+bacon+cheese+caramelized onions… grilled veggies… portobello mushrooms… I could go on and on!