Rescue Mission for the Basil

Rescue Mission for the Basil

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After the caterpillar party yesterday on my dill, I thought I should check out my basil. Although the sprig in the photo is a good one, the bugs had nibbled a few holes in the basil, too.  Time to use it up.

I decided to make some Caprese Paninis.  I thought I had cleverly come up with that concept but a quick look on the internet told me a few adventurous souls had beaten me to it.  I didn’t copy their recipes so this is somewhat my own invention.

I still have some wonderful tomatoes left from Gregg Farms and of course, the basil.  I stopped by the grocery store after work and bought some fresh mozzarella.  To me, at $7.99 it was a little pricey so I’m going to try freezing the leftovers in slices so I can make these sandwiches whenever I want to because I will never finish the log of cheese before it spoils.

I first made a flavored oil for the outside of the bread.  I mixed equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar (today it was a tablespoon of each) and then added dried basil and dried dill. It was probably about 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon of each.  I just dumped but my tastebuds would say it was between those amounts.

I spread the oil on one slice of bread and placed it oil side down on the panini press.  I layered on the tomato, basil, and cheese.

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Then, I topped it with another slice of bread.  You could also drizzle some inside the sandwich.

DSCF3344This was a very flavorful sandwich that hit the spot tonight  – with or without the bug holes. DSCF3347

 

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2 Responses to Rescue Mission for the Basil

  1. Merry Carol August 13, 2015 at 6:22 am #

    Got all the ingredients…plan to give your recipe a try….sounds good.

  2. Sherri August 13, 2015 at 8:32 am #

    Looks yummy! Easy weeknight meal!!

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