California Club Panini

Dick and I eat at Panera way too much, love their food. We decided to make our own panini's and work on the salads. Actually, we can make them with lower calories and put exactly whatever we want inside them. We bought this panini press from William Sonoma and really like it! The size is great, not too big and heats up quickly and in less than a minute or so to make a panini. You can easily make a panini without the press though. (I listed some options below)

This is comfort food! You will love it!

California Club

Oven roasted turkey, (If you can, find Boar's Head Oven Roasted Turkey)
Crispy bacon ( I like Oscar Mayer Center Cut, 50 calories for 2 slices)
Provolone
Avocado
Mustard aioli (recipe below)
Sourdough Bread

Fry the bacon in a pan. Spread the mustard aioli on the inside of the each sourdough bread piece, layer turkey, bacon, provolone and avocado on top of the sourdough bread.

Here's where you make the decision, after the sandwich is assembled, I use Crisco Olive Oil Spray on each side of the sandwich to save on calories, you could also use olive oil to brush each side or melted butter, it's your choice.


Panini Press: Grill sandwiches in a panini press until flat, bread is browned, and cheese has melted. Remove from heat; cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Waffle Iron: Turn over metal plates to the flat surface. Place sandwich in hot waffle iron, close cover, and grill for 3 minutes on each side.

Griddle: Place sandwich on a hot griddle, and position a heavy iron skillet or bacon press on top of the sandwich. Flatten the sandwich to about 1/4 of it original size. Grill the sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

George Forman Grill: May also be used.


Mustard aioli
1 garlic clove (can be omitted)
1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 cup mayonnaise ( I use Hellman's Light)
2 tablespoons coarse-grained Dijon mustard (regular is fine)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice


Using mortar with pestle, mash garlic with coarse kosher salt until paste forms (or mince garlic and mix with salt). Transfer garlic mixture to small bowl. Mix in all remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate.
Servings: Makes about 1 cup

I didn't include a calorie count since there are so many variables. Made with low fat mayonnaise and olive oil spray it's around 400 calories. You could substitute mustard aioli for Hellman's Dijonnaise, 1tsp is 5 calories.