Chicken, Spinach & Artichoke Panini

Remember my post from yesterday?

Well, here is the DELICIOUS recipe I used:

For your bread, use crusty artisan bread from the bakery.  Or, try THIS recipe out and make it yourself!

For the spinach & artichoke spread: (also makes an awesome dip for breads, crackers, and veggies)
     1/2  (10 oz) package frozen spinach, partially thawed and chopped
     1/2 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
     1 package softened cream cheese
     1 (16 oz) container sour cream
     1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
     Garlic salt or powder to taste
**Note, this makes quite a bit.  I usually half the recipe and still have plenty for at least 4 sandwiches.  I also don't measure exactly--just spoon in approximate amounts.

Mix all ingredients together.  Spread some on each side of your sandwich.  Add sliced grilled chicken.  Then grill your panini to perfection.  Delicious!

The Poor Man's Panini Press

Okay, so I LOVE panini sandwiches!  I think they are quite possibly my all-time favorite food.  Only problem is I don't have a panini grill.  Luckily, my sister gave me this great tip of how ANYONE can make their own panini using simple things everyone has lying around their kitchen:
1--A Griddle (either electric, or one used on your stovetop)
2--A heavy frying pan
3--Heavy cans from your pantry (I usually use pumpkin puree).

That's it.  You want to see how it is done?

 Make your sandwich.  Smash two sides together.  No butter needed on outside of bread.

 Place heavy pan with heavy canned goods on top of your sandwiches.  You can do several sandwiches at once--which is great for a family!

 Cook several minutes on each side--just check occasionally to know when to flip the sandwich.  Cook until brown and a little crusty.

  Enjoy!

Stay tuned for this great recipe.  Yum!

Another Tag

My daughter started preschool today!!!  I'm not sure what I am going to do with only a newborn at home, but I know I am going to enjoy the QUIET!  Anyway, with Halle starting school, she of course needed her own backpack tag.  Here's what I came up with--a little more girly than Cole's!

P.S. I know her shirt isn't the cutest--school uniform.  They get to wear a school t-shirt everyday.  Oh, and don't worry that she is 3, but the smallest size they sell is 6-8.  Poor girl.  Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about her ruining all her good clothes!