Three things. 1 - I hate mayo (& miracle whip, for that matter). 2 - I LOOOOOVE paninis. 3 - My family loooooove paninis too! So, if you're wanting a sandwich that's not your typical turkey with mayo (bleh) on wheat, try paninis! I Note: You don't have to have a grill pan, any pan you'd make a grilled cheese in will do.
Chicken Bacon Pear Paninis (serves 4, 1 serving = 2 mini paninis)
1/2 lb bacon, cooked & crumbled
8 mini ciabatta rolls, cut lengthwise
8 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half
8 slices, med-thick cut, smoked chicken breast
2 Bartlett pears, thinly sliced
Cook bacon to desired crispness; drain on paper towel, and then "crumble" (if crisp) or cut into little pieces. Set aside. On the bottom half of a roll, place 1/2 slice cheese, 1-2 pear slices, slice of chicken and then other half of cheese slice. Top with other half of the roll. Spray frying or grill pan with cooking spray and turn heat to MED-HIGH. Once hot place sandwiches onto prepared pan. After a few minutes, press down to help cook faster and to create those wonderful grill lines we all love! Turn over and repeat on other side.
Tip: If you have a lid for your pan, that actually helps it cook a little faster and it spreads the heat evenly. If you are satisfied with the crispness of the bread, but your cheese is thick and hasn't melted to your liking, just zap in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds and voila!
