Panini passion is sweeping the nation! What exactly is a 'panini' you might ask. A panini is a grilled Italian sandwich made with a small loaf of ciabatta bread. The loaf is split horizontally, then stuffed with meats and cheeses and placed in an indoor grill called a panini maker.

The heavy, rippled grill surfaces flatten the sandwich while warming it. The bread of the sandwich emerges with a rippled pattern evident on its’ surface. A panini grill makes a great gift for the health conscious people on your gift list. The non-stick surface of the grill allows the cook to prepare a panini with minimal use of oil or butter. The result is a hot sandwich low in fats and calories, and rich in flavor.

The panini grill is a versatile kitchen gadget that can also be used to prepare bruschetta, hamburgers, chicken, and steaks in minutes. Clean up is a breeze. Simply remove the grilling plates and put them in the dishwasher. Krups and Cuisinart both make panini grills that range in price from $80-$120 and feature a 'ready' indicator light, and adjustable temperature controls.

The panini maker is only about a foot long and 14 inches wide so it will fit well in a dorm room, an assisted living kitchenette, or in an efficiency apartment. Anyone who has limited cooking space will appreciate this versatile gift that prepares hot, healthy foods in a flash.

Posted by Rita.