Grilled Halloumi, Apple and Honey
Start to finish: 15 minutes. Serves 4.
1 firm, tart apple (such as Granny Smith), quartered and cored
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8-ounce package halloumi cheese, cut into 8 slices
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons torn fresh basil
Ground black pepper, to taste
Slices of crusty bread, to serve
Heat a panini press or countertop grill to medium-high.
Slice each apple quarter into 3 slices. Arrange the slices on the grill, lower the top and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until just tender and lightly browned on the outside. Arrange the slices on a serving platter.
Use a paper towel to wipe the grill to remove any moisture left by the apples. Add the cheese slices, lower the top and cook until browned on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Arrange the cheese slices on the platter with the apples.
Drizzle the apples and cheese with the honey, then sprinkle with basil and pepper. Serve with the bread.
Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 398 calories; 212 calories from fat (53 percent of total calories); 24 g fat (14 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 57 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrate; 20 g protein; 2 g fiber; 1,012 mg sodium.
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Panini sandwich press can also make light, creamy and elegant desserts
Who knew a panini press and a package of frozen puff pastry could be combined to create such a light and elegant dessert?
Best yet, the whole thing comes together in little time and with even less mess. You simply thaw the puff pastry (available in the grocer's freezer section), cut it into squares, then throw it on the panini press. Really. Cooking the pastry on a panini press makes for perfectly golden, crisp and gently puffed flaky layers.
Once your pastry layers are cooked, you simply layer them with whipped cream (you can use purchased if you want to make this dish even faster and easier) and fresh berries. The result is a dessert to rival restaurant offerings.
Countertop Napoleons
Start to finish: 20 minutes. Serves 6.
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions (each 17.3-ounce package contains 2 sheets)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
1 tablespoon honey
Two 6-ounce packages fresh raspberries
Powdered sugar
Heat a panini press or countertop grill.
Cut each sheet of puff pastry into nine 3-inch-by-3-inch squares.
Working in batches according to how many squares will fit on your press at once, cook the pastry squares with the cover set gently down on them until lightly browned and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. As each batch cooks, transfer the squares to a plate to cool, then set aside.
To make the filling, in a large bowl use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the sour cream, orange marmalade and honey.
To assemble the napoleons, spread a layer of the whipped cream over 6 of the pastry squares. Top each with a few of the berries, then another square of pastry. Repeat with another layer of whipped cream, fruit and a third pastry square. Finish the napoleons with a final layer of cream, then fruit. Dust with powdered sugar.
Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 287 calories; 196 calories from fat (28 percent of total calories); 22 g fat (13 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 68 mg cholesterol; 22 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 0 g fiber; 92 mg sodium.