Ontario Apple, Aged Cheddar and Smoked Turkey Panini – two ways

Sandwich version

Toasted whole grains, melted aged cheddar, lean turkey slices and a burst of flavour from the McIntosh apple provides a well-rounded sandwich.

4 slices of aged cheddar cheese,
4 slices of whole grain bread,
1 peeled, cored and thinly sliced Ontario McIntosh apple,
4 slices of smoked turkey breast,
2 tsp, honey mustard, 10 mL
1/2 cup, baby spinach, 125 mL

Heat a panini press or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.

Divide cheddar evenly between two slices of whole grain bread, followed by 2 slices of apple and 2 slices of smoked turkey. Spread remaining two slices of bread with honey mustard and place on top of the turkey (mustard side down).

Place sandwiches in heated panini press or cast iron pan and grill for 4 to 5 minutes turning as necessary to evenly brown the bread on both sides of the sandwich. Once cheese is melted and bread is golden brown, remove sandwiches from the heat. Remove tops of sandwiches, add spinach, replace tops and serve immediately.

Makes 2 sandwiches.

*Variety tip: For best results, use McIntosh, Jonagold or Crispin apples. 2 lbs/1 kg is about 5 large apples.

Per serving: about 410 cal, 27g pro, 15g total fat (9g sat fat), 43g carb, 7g fibre, 60mg chol, 1020mg sodium. %RDI: iron 10%, calcium 35%, vit A 15%, vit C 10%.

Next: make it with puff pastry.

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Puff pasty version

Frozen puff pastry makes this elegant crowd pleaser as easy as (pizza) pie! You’ll love the flavour complements of sweet Ontario apples, mellow caramelized onions, tangy aged cheddar and fresh thyme. Cut into small squares for an appetizer, or serve with a crisp green salad for a light lunch.

2 tbsp butter 30 mL
2 onions, sliced into 1/4 inch (6mm) rounds
2 Ontario apples*, cored and sliced into wedges
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper 1 mL
1 tbsp cider vinegar 15 mL
1/2 pkg. frozen puff pastry (1 sheet), thawed 1/2
1/2 cup shredded aged white cheddar cheese 125 mL
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 15 mL

Melt butter in large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onions until caramelized and softened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Stir in apple wedges and cook 5 minutes longer (apples will be firm and a light golden colour). Season with salt, pepper and vinegar. Let cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Roll puff pastry into a flat 10-inch (25 cm) square. Cut a 1/2-inch (1 cm) strip from each side. Brush the edges of the remaining pastry square with water and arrange strips on top, trimming, to form a border (or pizza crust) on all four sides. Using fork, prick bottom of pastry all over. Arrange onion and apple mixture inside border. Sprinkle with cheddar and thyme.

Bake in the centre of preheated oven until pastry is puffed and golden and cheddar is melted and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Source: www.onapples.com via News Canada.

Have you tried this recipe or have a cooking tip for other readers? Share it in the comments below.

More lunch ideas:

Quesadillas with Ontario Apple Salsa
Mushroom And Caramelized Onion Tacos
Seafood Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms
Curried Chicken Naan Sandwiches
Hooked On Tuna Burrito

Plus see what else is cooking in our in recipes archive.

See what else is cooking in our in recipes archive.