Chocolate-Banana-Strawberry Panini ("swoon sandwiches")

May 16, 2012 by jennifer

Something superbly decadent (but not time or labour intensive) to munch on after dinner really is my idea of an aphrodisiacal dessert. These "sandwiches" could also be served as a lovely Valentine’s Day or anniversary breakfast…they are really delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 croissants, cut in half horizontally2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped finely1 small bananas, cut diagonally into ¼-inch slices4 fresh strawberries, washed and cut into ¼-inch slicescinnamon sugar (3 parts sugar, 1 part cinnamon) for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat your grill pan or panini grill to medium.

2. On a cutting board or other surface, lay the bottom half of each croissant, cut side up and sprinkle each with about ¼ of the chocolate on each.

3. Arrange the banana slices on top of each chocolate covered slice, the strawberry slices on top of those and then sprinkle with the remaining chocolate. Place the top half of each croissant on top.

4. Place the sandwiches on the preheated grill and close the lid (if using a panini grill close and cook, if not turn half-way through cooking). Grill until the chocolate is oozing out the sides and the tops are golden, about 5 to 7 minutes.

5. Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and cut in half. Serve immediately, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Serves 4.

These could also be made with pound cake – which would be deliciously buttery and soft…another taste sensation to add to the mix!

After-Thoughts:

There is just something about oozing warm dark chocolate mingling with the buttery flavour of a croissant and/or pound cake, accented by the tangy sweetness of strawberries and the delicate taste of banana…topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. Wow, these really are the ultimate in aphrodisiacal desserts.

Recipe Origin:

Based on a Williams-Sonoma recipe.

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Brown Sugar Sandwiches

May 16, 2012 by jennifer

These sandwiches were something my mother used to make for skinned knees and bumps on the head. While her nutritionist’s skills might leave something to be desired, her nursing skills were pretty much on the spot.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole wheat breadbutter, room temperature2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions:

1. Slather both slices of the bread with butter and top only one with brown sugar, spreading to the edges of the bread.

2. Put slices together and cut off crusts (eat yourself if preparing sandwich for someone else). Serve with love, affection and some cinnamon tea.

After-Thoughts:

Please, please please! Do NOT make these sandwiches with white bread…it’s just not right. And I find, the darker the brown sugar the better – maybe even a mix of muscavado with some lighter brown sugar for a variance.

Recipe Origin:

My mom (and probably her dad before her).

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