As I was looking up other food blogs, not a rare occurrence, I came across this site, Cookie and Kate, where this recipe is from.  Don't be skeptical.  It's really good and you'll be glad you made it.  I think I ate this in 20 seconds flat.  I'm usually too lazy tired to put any forethought into lunch, but this was well worth the extra brain power.



Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Panini (without a panini press)

serves 4 - make the sauce before you prepare the paninis

ingredients

8 slices of good bread ( I used a baguette I sliced wide on the diagonal)
5 oz. goat cheese
10-12 strawberries, sliced thin
basil leaves
black pepper
4 T. butter (probably won't need this much)


directions

Take 2 slices of bread and spread a layer of goat cheese over the inside of both slices.  Spread your strawberries over one side already covered with goat cheese, mmm, and the other with whole or chopped up basil.  Grind some black pepper over both sides.  Place your panini together with the basil side on top. 

Melt 1/2 T. butter in medium skillet over medium heat.  Add the sandwich.  Place a plate on top of the sandwich and then place a large can of anything, tomatoes work well, on top of the plate for weight.  Cook about 2-3 minutes, until sandwich is lightly browned.  Lift sandwich from pan, melt 1/2 T. butter and finish with remaining side.  Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

Balsamic Honey Glaze

ingredients

2/3 c. balsamic vinegar
1/3 c. honey


directions

Combine vinegar and honey in small saucepan over med-low heat.  Simmer, making sure to stir constantly so it does not burn.  Reduce by about half (or 1/3 if you're impatient like me).  Pour into a small bowl to cool while you're making the paninis.