For the past several years, street side cafes across the country have been serving up delicious grilled sandwiches called "panini" sandwiches. Panini sandwiches first became popular in Italy, where coffee cart vendors would grill sliced focaccia breads stuffed with Italian meats and cheese, fresh herbs, and fresh vegetables. By Grace Alexander |
Panini sandwiches are a relatively new and very popular menu item at many American restaurants. Italian in origin, these grilled sandwiches are usually filled with meats and / or vegetables and cheeses, which are pressed tightly together, causing the ingredients to interact, which produces an intensely flavorful sandwich. By Lauren Bove |
In recent years, these pressed sandwiches have exploded in popularity. Applying pressure to the outside while you cook them creates a crispy exterior, and a warm, gooey interior. By Aaron Baer Harsha |