Toasted Sandwich Maker – Mario Batali Panini Maker
The Mario Batali Panini Grill and Press dimensions are 22.5 x 12.3 inches and it weighs 15 pounds. This was one of the largest Panini makers and it would be good for making quick and easy meals for a family and the reviews claimed a high quality item that was easy to clean.
A toasted sandwich maker should be heavy gauge cast iron with an equally sturdy lid to cook the top and produce good grill marks. At 15 pounds, this panini machine may be too heavy for some to lift, but a heavy skillet and lid will conduct heat and brown much better. It also has high sides to sufficiently hold any cheese, juice, or marinade that can drip off without running to the stove. This panini machine is bigger than we needed to cook for two so I bought an All Clad panini machine which is smaller. I had a disaster, but after trying it a couple more times, I have been very, very satisfied with it.
My first toasted sandwich was disaster. You can’t rush a Panini maker! After airing out the smoke from the house and some good natured jokes from my husband, I learned to turn down the heat! It seems to work best when the pan and press are preheated to medium heat or slightly below. Make sure to preheat the skillet and press on separate burners. You also need to spray the pan and press with nonstick cooking spray or grill with a little oil. Be careful when lifting the press as some of these press handles can get very hot.
One of our favorite toasted sandwiches is to take a 1-inch slice of sourdough bread, spread both sides with olive oil or butter, layer smoked gouda, serrano ham, onions, tomato, fontina cheese, and a slice of bread. , place it in your preheated panini and grill. Better yet, experiment! Make a toasted sandwich with your favorite toppings. In minutes you will have a quick and wonderful meal with your favorite ingredients.
We live in Oklahoma, which can mean windy days and days, not to mention the emerging thunderstorms that wreak havoc on a charcoaler! A Panini maker can also make a great stovetop grill. Mine has worked great for roasting meat, roasting asparagus, and other veggies. Toss asparagus in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill. It takes about 2-3 minutes for the asparagus to be tender and crisp. Another favorite vegetable is a small yellow squash cut in half, greased with olive oil, seasoned with salt, pepper, and basil or Italian seasoning and grilled until just starting to soften.
A Panini maker would work for breakfast too. We like to put a slice of Canadian bacon and cheese between the halves of an English muffin and grill until golden brown. I found a recipe that the kids would love and it is very, very easy. Divide 6 mini bagels into 2 halves, spread creamy peanut butter and grape jelly on bottom half, top with top half, and grill. Kids have a hot breakfast they’ll love!
Remember, a recipe is just a guide!