Apple, Baby Brie, and Turkey Panini

Here's another sandwich offering for y'all....

Actually the plan was just to make a grilled sandwich but when I finished assembling it was a little thick and kinda hard to handle without the filling falling out from the bread so I decided to make a panini instead.

The inspiration for this panini came from a panini that I had from The French Crepe Company in Third and Fairfax.  The combination of creamy brie, tangy-sweet apple, and savory smoked turkey really works well together.  The result is a nice combination of flavor in one tasty panini...yum...yum...yum

I served the sandwich with a side of frisee, figs, and pine nut salad as well as a fresh mixed fruits and greek yogurt parfait. The combination makes it a full meal which is not only easy to make and assemble but also requires minimal cooking.  That last bit of information is important especially during the summer months when  the heat is unbearable and any cooking can turn up the heat inside the house...hehehe. 

This meal can be served as a quick lunch or merienda (snack) for Filipinos. I say merienda for Filipinos because most (especially those who were born, raised, and living in the Philippines) do not consider anything that's served without rice a meal...everything else falls under the category of a snack if it does not come with rice :) 

Speaking of Filipino diet, here's an interesting fact:  Filipinos typically eat three full meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) that is composed of rice and meat or seafood dish.  Aside from the three full meals, some Filipinos also eat snack in between those meals.  Snacks are typically served midway between the meals - in between breakfast and lunch, in between lunch and dinner, and a few hours after dinner and before going to bed (midnight snack).  So it  is not uncommon to see Filipinos eat at least 5 to 6 times a day (counting all the regular meals and snacks) :)  That's a lot of meals to prepare for a typical Filipino wife, don't you think? Of course most (even those who are not considered rich) have household help...

2 slices of sourdough bread (or your preference of bread)

2 slices of smoked turkey breast (from the deli)

1/2 an apple (granny smith or your preference), sliced thinly

thin slices of baby brie

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush both bread slices with olive oil

2. Arrange a thin layer of baby brie on both sides of the bread then lightly brush with olive oil and sprinkle freshly ground black pepper according to taste

3. Place a slice of turkey breast on each of the bread slices

4. Arrange slices of apple on one side of the bread.

5. Use the other bread to cover the other slice then set aside.

6. Heat panini maker or stovetop grill then lightly brush with leftover olive oil

7. Place the sandwich on the grill.  If using stovetop grill, place a layer of aluminum wrap on top of the bread then place a heat proof weight over it to weigh it down.

8. When one side is done, turn the panini over and grill the other side until done.

9. Slice in half and serve warm.