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Panini Express - 70 Delicious Recipes, Hot Off the Press
by Daniel Leader and Lauren Chattman
The Taunton Press
ISBN 1-56158-960-9
Published February 2008 - Hardcover - 144 pages - $18.95

Mmmm mmmmm mmmm.  There's nothing more comforting than a warm sandwich filled with delicious food.  And the bread being the main ingredient, is all important.  I always say use a good bread if you want a good sandwich.  Award-winning chef/baker Daniel Leader (with author Lauren Chattman) offers us fantastic ways to be creative with a panini press (no mess) and a few ingredients.  Do read his "Tips for Panini Press Success" - it's always a good idea to inform yourself about the food (and equipment) you're thinking of reproducing (using).  Leader offers recipes and inspiration from his numerous trips to Europe where he tried out sandwich after sandwich after sandwich, many of which he adapted or uses in his own bakery, Bread Alone.  It's not surprising that we're given the lowdown on bread making (I'm going to try because I'm sick of paying exorbitant prices for artisanal breads), which include Ciabatta Rolls, Flatbreads, and Focaccia among others.  Contents include Bread Basics, Basic Breads; Quick Mayonnaie, Pestos, and Other Sandwich Enhancers, and The Sandwiches.  I loved the mayonnaises (red pepper-garlic) and the caramalized onions (imagining these onions on a sandwich made my mouth water!).  These sandwiches appealed to my senses (and potentially to my palate): Grilled Asparagus, Taleggion (cheese), and Prosciutto; Corned Beef with Muenster Cheese and Wilted Cabbage ( a meal in itself); Italian Hero Sandwich; Filet Mignon with Mushrooms and Red Pepper-Garlic Mayonnaise (sounds heavenly), and Italian Salad with Avocado and Mozzarella.
Visit the Bread Alone website.
Beautifully illustrated.  No nutritional guides.
Conclusion - This book could become my new best friend.