The Better Pear, Avocado, and Bacon Panini

 

I've been lugging my panini maker around college with me for the entire year, and like 90 percent of people with a panini grill or any kind of specialized kitchen gadget, I really have not used it as much as I expected I would. I saw it sitting in my cabinet all sad and dusty and decided I had to use it or sell it on Ebay. Not being one to easily part with kitchen gear, I decided to create a panini to share with you all. 

And what I came up with is officially my favorite sandwich of all time you guys! It is so delicious I can't even tell you.* The saltiness of the bacon and cheese is the perfect complement to sweet crispy pear slices. And then last minute I decided to throw in a couple slices of avocado because it's summer time, and I'm pretty sure there is an unofficial rule that all summer sandwiches must have avocado.

*Be careful. I really can't afford to be labeled as the catalyst for anyone's budding panini addiction. 

 

For the recipe click the "read more" link below. Happy eating!

RECIPE

serves 2

INGREDIENTS

4 slices texas toast

¼ avocado sliced thinly 

3 slices apple smoked bacon cook cut in half to give you 6 short pieces 

1 pear thinly sliced

a few slices of high quality cheddar cheese

butter for spreading on bread

DIRECTIONS

1. Spread a thin coat of butter on outer sides of texas toast

2. Layer sandwich ingredients onto bread: cheese, avocado, pear, then bacon

3. Place on a panini grill* (medium-high heat) for 4 minutes or until bread is browned and cheese has melted. 

*If you don't have a panini grill place sandwich in a heated skillet and weigh down with a heavy plate. Flip halfway through cooking.