Panini Party

Set up a delicious panini bar for your next party, guests can make their own panini creations!

How to set up your panini bar:

1. Plenty of counter space.

2. 1-3 Panini grills

$130.00

$150.00

3. Sliced Crusty Bread

4. Sliced deli meats (ham, turkey, roast beef, pepperoni, etc) and array of Italian antipasto meats.

5. array of cheeses

6. Accompaniments: such as roasted red peppers, giardiniera, thinly sliced red onions, roasted garlic, arugula, avocado, flavored cream cheese, spicy mustard and sun-dried tomatoes.

7. Condiments:

• Butter for the outsides of the bread (before grilling).
• Mayonnaise
• A variety of mustards
• Italian dressing
• Oil and vinegar,
• Ketchup
• Mild and hot peppers.
• Pickles
• Lettuce
• Sandwich Spread.

Basil Mayonnaise & Garlic-Chili Mayonnaise

1 cup light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Process all ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.Garlic-Chili Mayonnaise: Omit lemon rind and basil. Substitute fresh lime juice for lemon juice. Stir together mayonnaise, juice, and 2 Tbsp. Asian garlic-chili sauce. Makes about 1 cup.

Recipe: Southern Living Magazine.

On the side:

Plantain Chips

1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lime zest, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
6 cups vegetable oil
4 green plantains (1 1/2 lb)

Stir together zest, salt, and cayenne.Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 375°F. While oil is heating, cut ends from plantains and score skin of each plantain 5 times lengthwise, avoiding ridges. Soak in hot tap water 5 minutes and peel. Cut plantains lengthwise with a U-shaped peeler or manual slicer into very thin strips (about 116 inch thick). Fry strips, 6 at a time, turning frequently, until golden, 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer with tongs to paper towels and sprinkle crisps immediately with salt mixture.

Recipe: Gourtmet, april 2000

Dessert :

Chocolate-Banana Croissant Panini

• 2 day-old croissants, cut in half horizontally
• 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate shavings
• 1 small banana, cut diagonally

Lay the bottom half of each croissant, cut side up, on a clean work surface. Sprinkle with about two-thirds of the chocolate, dividing equally. Arrange the banana slices on top, then sprinkle with the remaining chocolate. Place the top half of each croissant, cut side down, on top. Place the sandwiches on the preheated panini maker and close the lid. Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the chocolate is melted and the tops are golden, 5 to 7 minutes.

Recipe: Williams-Sonoma Kitchen

Panini Party signature Cocktail:

Italian Lemonade

- 1 1/2 oz Belvedere Cytrus Vodka
- 3/4 oz Campari
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- Cold Soda Water or 7-up
- 2 Lemon Wheels

In an ice filled mixing glass, add Cytrus, Campari, lemon juice and simple syrup: shake until well blended. Prepare a 14 oz Goblet by filling with ice and placing the lemon wheels inside the glass so they appear to be floating against the sides of the glass. Strain drink into goblet while spritzing with soda water or 7-up.

Recipe: Cocktail Times

Tags: basil mayonnaise, cocktail, Italian lemonade, panini, panini bar, panini press, party, party menu, party theme, plantain chips, sandwich spread, theme, theme dinner party