It is Maker Monday time again! I'm sure just about everybody has a panini press but I thought I'd share a little about mine. I have the Cuisinart G1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press, and I love it. To be completely honest when I first saw it in person I thought it was pretty small, and also didn't like the fact that you can't stand it up for storage...but once I started making paninis all doubts went away and I fell for this specialty appliance like just about everyone else who has reviewed it on amazon.I've never met a person who doesn't love a panini, even my ultra picky husband can find suitable fillings to make a sandwich he enjoys. And the kids, they love a panini pb & j, or a whole wheat banana nutella panini... Just about anything you can imagine can be magically transformed into an ooey gooey melty hot sandwich, add a salad and maybe a light soup, and you have a really easy dinner for the family, and everyone gets to pick their own panini fillings, so no complaints!
I've had this press for a couple years, it was a birthday present from my mom, who has nurtured my need to have specialty appliances since I was very young, I think I was the only little girl old who wanted a cappuccino maker from santa, and yes, santa delivered.
Here are some pictures of a 'mushroom avocado colby melt', my own little creation that turned out to be oh so delicious. I'm a sucker for melty veggie cheese sandwiches, you can put about anything in there on bread and it's delcious, and this sandwich is a new favorite. Just two thick slices of Honey French Bread, two thin colby jack slices, a little avocado (don't use too much or it will make the panini slippery inside and hard to eat), and one large mushroom, sliced. I added a little mayo and buttered the outside just a touch. You really don't have to, but I love how the crispy buttered sides take me back to a comforting grilled cheese. 
Put your sandwich on the preheated griddler and set down the lid, I like to press it down a bit at first to smoosh all the yummy stuff together, then let it cook for about 3-5 minutes.
Ta-Da! Perfect yummy panini! Enjoy!
