SPRINGTIME BLUES ~ BLACK FOREST HAM, PROVOLONE & ROASTED PEPPER PANINI

" And the spring comes slowly up this way. "

~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

~ Lone blue iris

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BLACK FOREST HAM, PROVOLONE & ROASTED RED PEPPER PANINI

~ Perfect solution for leftover ham. Panini refers to a pressed sandwich so if you don't own a panini grill, simply grill in a skillet with a weight on top (2 iron skillets work well)

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2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

4 tsp. basil pesto

8 slices good rye or sourdough bread

8 oz. thinly sliced Black Forest, deli or leftover ham

6-8 oz. thinly sliced provolone cheese

1/2 cup roasted red pepper strips

1/2 cup fresh basil or baby spinach leaves

• Combine mayonnaise and pesto. Spread evenly on each of 4 bread slices. Arrange ham, cheese, roasted red pepper strips, and basil or spinach leaves evenly over bread.
• Preheat grill pan or large skillet coated with cooking spray. Add sandwiches to pan and cook until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted. (4 servings)