Thanksgiving Panini™

This is a great way to use Thanksgiving leftovers.

This is perfect for watching the game, after raking the last of falls leaves, after holiday shopping, or anytime.

I've used a regular skillet, but this recipe also works on a grill pan, a panini maker or even on an outdoor grill.

Sandwiches

8 slices bread

4 - 8 slices turkey

4 slices Swiss or Monterey Jack 

1 Roma tomato (sliced)
4 lettuce leaves

Dressing

1/4 - 1/3 c. + 1- 2 T olive oil
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic (crushed, chopped)
1/8 tsp each: salt, pepper
1/2 tsp each: dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano

Set aside 2 - 3 T. of the oil for frying the sandwiches.

In a small bowl combine: remainder of the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, parsley, oregano and basil. Mix well and set aside.

To assemble sandwiches: use a pastry brush to brush 1 side of the 8 slices. Layer 1 -2 slices of Swiss on the oiled side of the 4 slices of the bread. Top with tomato slices and lettuce leaves.

Take remaining bread and smear dressing on one side of the remainder of the bread with pastry brush. Top sandwiches with the bread, dressing side down.

To heat: Heat grill pan or skillet over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add oil. Place 1 sandwich in skillet. Place small pan over sandwich to press down on sandwich. 

Cook on 1 side for 3 -5 min or until brown. Flip over and cook on other side for 3-5 min or until brown. Repeat cooking process with remaining sandwiches.

Serves 4.

Cranberry Spritz™

Need a quick idea for a family friendly holiday beverage, try this.

2 - 3 c. cranberry juice

Ice 1 c. - 2 c club soda or sparkling water

4 - 12 fresh or frozen cranberries

Rinse cranberries, set aside.

Put ice in the bottom of a pitcher.

Combine juice, club soda over ice.

Mix well, chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Put 1 to 2 cranberries in the bottom of clean glasses.

Pour cranberry spritz into glasses and enjoy!

Serves 4 - 6.

Mini Apple Pies

This is great for a holiday get together or anytime. I've used sugar for this recipe but you could also use a a dietetic sweetener. 

1 pkg. pre made pie crust

Non stick cooking spray

1 - 2 apples cut up

1/8 - 1/4 c. sugar

1/8 tsp. each: cinnamon, nutmeg

1 - 2 T. each: cornstarch, cold butter cut up into chunks

1/8 -1/4 c. flour (enough to flour work board and rolling pin)

Lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350°.

Spray 1 muffin tin (12 muffins) with nonstick cooking spray. 

Remove package of pie crust from refrigerator. Let it set out a few minutes to warm up. This will make it easier to roll out.

Flour work board and rolling pin with some of the flour. 

Remove pie crusts from package. 

Use rolling pin to roll out pie crust to desired thickness. Use a wide mouth glass to cut 6 circles from crust. Place crust circles into 6 muffin cups. Repeat process with other pie crust

. 

Rinse, core and cut  apple into bite size pieces. If needed, prepare other apple.

In a bowl combine, apple, nutmeg cinnamon, sugar, cornstarch. Mix well to coat.

Place 1 tsp. approx. of apple mixture into each muffin cup. 

Top each muffin cup with the cold butter.

 Place muffins tin into oven and bake or 20 - 30 minutes or until pie crust is golden brown. 

Keep an eye on them so that they don't burn. Remove from oven and let cool.

Serves 4.

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Zucchini Bites™

This is a great healthy snack for watching the game, a good movie, company or anytime.

2/3 - 1 c. flour (adjust amount needed)
2 - 3 zuchinis cut into slices
1 egg
2 - 4 T. Oil (adjust amount needed)
1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper
Pinch each: chili powder, dried parsley, granulated garlic, turmeric

In a bowl crack 1 egg, half of salt and pepper. Beat with a fork to mix.

Rinse, pat dry zuchinnis with a paper towel. Cut into slices.

In a bowl combine flour, the rest of the salt, pepper, herbs and spices.

Dredge zucchini on both sides with the egg.

Dredge zucchini lightly on both sides with flour.

Preheat skillet to medium high heat.

Lower heat to medium, add oil.

Cook zucchini in batches on one side for 5 minutes.

Flip over and cook zucchini on other side for 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove zucchini from pan and place on a paper towel lined plate.

Serves 4 - 6.