Lunch Bite: Panini with Chicken, Basil and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Today is a leisurely day--of sorts.  I dedicated the first half to running errands in preparation for an upcoming getaway.  Now, back home, I wanted a delicious bite that would come together easily and quickly and allow me to get on with the second (and more relaxing) half of my day. 

So it seemed like a perfect opportunity for a sandwich bite.  With Ciabatta bread, leftover Rotisserie chicken, fresh basil, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and sun dried tomatoes on hand, it was shaping up to be quite the sandwich indeed.  What could make it even greater?  Turning it into a hot, toasty, melted goodness of a sandwich--i.e. a Panini.

I don't make sandwiches very often these days, but since I took the time to do so today, I decided to make it extra special.  And the simple act of tossing it on my Panini maker did the trick.  (Note: If you don't have a Panini maker handy, you can still get the same results by placing your sandwich in a hot skillet and pressing it with a heavy lid.)

Duly satisfied, now I'm looking forward to a great second half!

Happy Eating!

HOW TO EAT: Sandwiches

There are sandwiches to suit almost any occasion--whether you're hosting a tea party or rooting on your favorite sports team or something in between.  And no matter the occasion, you'll want to know how to eat 'em!  

Here enters our latest "how to eat" installment; a simple, quick tutorial that will have you at your sandwich savvy best.

Happy Eating!

Eating Sandwiches

Tea-type sandwiches and canapes are eaten with the fingers.  (A canape is an appetizer consisting of a piece of bread or toast or a cracker topped with a savory spread.)  Club sandwiches may be eaten with a fork and knife or cut into fourths and eaten with the fingers.  Open faced sandwiches should be eaten with a fork and knife.

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