Turkey & Cheese Panini

Even though the temperatures are still in the 90s here in Raleigh, I can feel the summer ending and a new season approaching. School is starting up again, colleagues return from vacations, and evenings begin to fill up with scheduled activities. After months of relaxing, I’m always ready for the busyness that the end of August brings. But one of the first things to go in our busy schedules are home-cooked meals. There’s just no time to spend more than an hour in the kitchen and it’s so much easier to grab food on the run.

For those evenings when you are tempted to grab fast food, here is a delicious sandwich that is fast, easy, cheap and tastes (almost) as good as one you would get at Panera. (It’s also delicious to pair it with our  favorite pasta salad.) Enjoy!

Turkey & Cheese Panini
from Cooking Light Everyday Favorites

2 TBSP fat-free mayo
4 tsp basil pesto
8 (1 oz) thin slices sourdough bread*
8 ounces sliced cooked turkey breast
2 oz thinly sliced provolone cheese
8 slices tomato
Cooking spray

1. Combine mayo and pesto, stirring well. Spread 1 tablespoon mayo mixture on each of 4 bread slices, top each slice with 2 ounces turkey, 1/2 ounce cheese, and 2 tomato slices. Top with remaining bread slices.

2. Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sandwiches to pan; top with a heavy skillet (or just use a Panini press). Cook 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Yield: 4 servings; Per serving: Calories: 257, Fat: 8.2g, Protein: 18.4g Fiber: 4.1g

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I’d love to know: what is your favorite on-the-go recipe for when life gets busy?

*PS – I used French bread in the sandwiches above, since that is what we had on hand.