Cast Iron

Our children have grown and moved out and is just my husband and I live on a small farm in Oklahoma and we seem busier than when children were at home. Looking for ways to make quick easy meals I found a toasted sandwich maker or panini maker. These not only can make sandwiches, but also make a variety of healthy recipes low in fat. A panini maker can also be used as an oven grill. Living in Oklahoma can mean days and windy days so having a stove grill sounded like a great option.

Le Creuset has a great reputation and Le Creuset enameled cast iron Panini Press, was highly valued by cooks Illustrated. Reviews on Amazon raved about the quality of Le Creuset Panini Press. It seemed that most respondents use more for grilling meats and vegetables to snacks. Dimensions of Le Creuset enameled cast iron Panini Press is 20.5 x 13.4 which would be excellent for making larger meals. A good toasted sandwich maker needs to have some weight to it for heating and Browning. This grill weighed 15.2 pounds, which will ensure that transfer heat much more than all the bread and the press shall be adjusted enough to the pressing and Browning. The parties also are high enough to contain any juice or cheese that can be shaken.

This panini maker is bigger than what you need to cook for two, but it would be good for a family of or for entertainment. The All Clad Panini Maker is a small stove top grill, so he bought one and have been very pleased with it. I found preheat the best way is to preheat pan and press over medium heat. It is best to preheat pan and press on independent burners. It is also necessary to sprinkle bread and press with nonstick cooking spray for grilling with a little oil after preheating.

To baste a good toasted sandwich, or olive oil on a slice of ciabatta, layer of smoked Gouda cheese, sliced turkey, roasted red pepper, a slice of onion and tomato, another slice of Gouda, top with a slice of ciabatta bread, which has also been sprayed with olive oil and grill. In 5-6 minutes you'll have a wonderful toasted sandwich.

I tried to roast beef with my maker Panini's new and it was great! Below is one of our favorite recipes is also excellent meat for venison.

Garlic and Rosemary Steak

1 / 2 C. olive oil
1 / 2 C. soy sauce
1 / 4 cup red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar (I prefer the balsamic vinegar)
9 cloves garlic, chopped
4 tsp. dried rosemary, crumbled
1 inch thick boneless top sirloin

If the grill on a stove grill is best to remove the bone and remove the fat from meat. Cut into portions and serve to soften. Combine first 5 ingredients and add meat. Marinate at least 1 hour or prefer the night. Remove the meat from the marinade and pat dry. Preheat skillet over medium heat and a lid on a separate burner to medium high heat. Spray a nonstick cooking spray in the press and the lid and grill until meat is done to your liking.

Roast the asparagus in an oven grill works great. Roast the asparagus is just 2-3 minutes and you do not have to heat the grill press. I threw asparagus in olive oil, salt and lemon pepper, remove meat from grill stove and add the asparagus. Put the press in the top and left with residual heat quickly cooks the asparagus.

Let your imagination! Create your own sandwich maker recipes!

I always say, a recipe is only a guide!

Lea Ann Gingerich loves to eat!!! Fortunately, she also loves to cook healthy low fat recipes that are quick and easy. For more Panini Maker recipes and ideas go to http://www.toastedsandwichmaker.blogspot.com/

What is the difference between cast iron and iron that we use staples or nails?

What is the difference between cast iron and iron we use staples or nails? And is that iron is used in commodities, steel, wrought iron and nails? Why black cast iron, and iron is used in nails silver clasps, etc?

One is iron the other is steel. The difference is mainly the carbon content.

Cast Iron

Cast Iron