smoked turkey artichoke panini*

Heritage is holding their annual fund raising scholarship gala in October and each department puts together a gift basket to put up for auction.The proceeds go to funding college scholarships for the students. Last year our department did a BBQ basket with the BBQ cooking tools, cookbook, apron, picnic basket, tablecloth, and fancy steaks. This year we just needed to go bigger and better. And, I must say, I am SO EXCITED! We are going to do a BAKING basket! Seriously, my heart beats faster just thinking about it - because I am a dork like that :)! It's the little things that make me happy! So here is what we are thinking should go in the basket:

*cute bright glass mixing bowls, apron (I am trying to get Flirty Aprons to donate - cross my fingers!), cute baking cups, baking/cupcakes cookbook, piping bag & tips, spatulas, muffin tins (regular & mini), round cake pans, cake leveler, cupcake corer, sprinkles, cute measuring cups, rolling pin, neon food coloring, freshly baked cupcakes and/or other baked goods from a local bakery and so much more*

I am trying to get some, if not most, of it donated. The gala isn't until October, but today Sarah and I were on the phone already calling different businesses trying to get some donations so that our basket can come to life! I will keep you updated - since I am so sure you will lose sleep over the matter :).

These paninis are SO AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. Ok, I'm done. After one more AMAZING! We buy a whole wheat ciabatta bread that we make our paninis with and I am telling you - with all of the incredible ingredients inside - it makes for a mouth watering, stomach growling, heart stopping - well, maybe not heart stopping - but a very savory delicious sandwich! But please, do not leave out the garlic-herb sandwich spread. OH MY DELICIOUS! Please - make this sandwich. Make it now!

Smoked Turkey & Artichoke Panini
from Our Best Bites

One loaf rustic sourdough bread (I used whole wheat ciabatta - highly suggested)
One jar marinated artichoke hearts
Garlic-Herb sandwich spread (see below)
Smoked Deli Turkey
Swiss cheese (you could also use baby swiss, provolone, or smoked provolone)
Tomato, sliced
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Spread garlic-herb mayo on each slice of bread, then layer cheese slices on each. Pile generous amounts of turkey slices on one side of each sandwich, followed by tomato slices and artichoke hearts.

Brush both outer sides of sandwiches with olive oil and grill until golden brown. I actually left off the olive oil, and just toasted it without it.

Garlic Herb Sandwich Spread
from Our Best Bites

1 1/2 C mayo
1 large clove garlic
1/2 T lemon juice
zest from 1/2 lemon (1/4-1/2 t)
1/2 t fresh rosemary
1/2 T fresh oregano
1T fresh basil

 
Place mayo in a small food processor. Finely mince garlic, or press, and add to mayo. Add lemon zest then juice. Chop all herbs and add to mayo mixture.

I chop everything first to assure it gets evenly chopped in the food processor. If you do it by hand, without a food processor, just finely chop everything, and make sure to press garlic so you don’t get any big chunks.

Process until smooth and combined. (Or stir if doing by hand.)

This is best if made ahead so flavors have a chance to merry and intensify.

Garlic-Herb Sandwich Spread = AMAZING!!

-alyssa*