Turkey and Basil Pesto Panini

First off, in the business of paninis, can it be called a panini if it's just on cheapo whole grain bread? Or does it have to be on fancy bread, like sourdough? Because sourdough is fancy in our house.

Anyways, I recently scored a Cuisinart Griddler for $5 at Goodwill and I am in love with it. Being able to make more than two pancakes at a time (and NOT using two seperate frying pans to get the job done) is amazing. Life changing, really.

So, I made paninis the other day and they are my new lunch favorite. Basically cram together whatever sounds good between two pieces of bread and smoosh it till it's melted.

Done.

I added basil pesto to this one (because pesto makes everything better) and here's my recipe:

TURKEY and BASIL PESTO PANINI

2 slices of BREAD (regular or fancy)

1 tsp BASIL PESTO

2 slices DELI TURKEY

1 slice TURKEY BACON

1 slice PROVOLONE CHEESE

2 slices TOMATO

1 tsp BUTTER (or margarine)

GRATED PARMESAN (optional)

STEP 1: Heat panini press on med-high heat. Spread butter on outsides of bread slices. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on butter if preferred (try it...it's so yummy!)

STEP 2: Spread basil pesto on inside of one slice of bread. Top with turkey, tomato, bacon, and cheese, and other slice of bread (with butter side facing out).

STEP 3: Place on grill and press down until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.

Enjoy!