Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

Quite often what I make is driven by what I feel like making. At times however I find myself coming up with ideas just to use up whats left in my fridge from my previous ideas. This time around it was pickled jalapenos that I had shared with you a few days ago. Now I am a big fan of jalapenos, especially the pickled ones. My pizza always has to have some and so do my sandwiches. I made two big jars and have been working through them but still had quite a bit left of the last jar. That is where these sandwiches come in. Pickled jalapenos done popper style between two slices of bread grilled to perfection.
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White Spinach Pizza Grilled Cheese

Not much of an exciting story behind this one, just one afternoon felt like making a sandwich for the three of us. Well, to make it less boring than 'just a sandwich' thought of playing a little with some stuff I had in the fridge. Didn't feel like a cold sandwich and what better than a grilled cheese with a twist to make a warm sandwich. With some crafty use of ricotta, mozzarella and spinach, I could give it a catchy name as well, a name with the word 'pizza' in it. The little one sure bought it and loved it too. Let me know what you think.

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Cheesy pesto Panini with tomato

Panini is one of my most favorite sandwiches. It is basically a delicious Italian grilled cheese sandwich, fast, fun, easy and elegant. Good for a last minute dinner, lunch, weekend brunch and anytime in between. I had my first panini at our local Italian restaurant a few years back and it was love at first bite :) There is something just so comforting about grilled cheese with crispy bread... no one can resist these.
It's very versatile as far as ingredients you can use. Can be made with different cheeses, bread and vegetables and meats. I have tried making different versions at home and they have always been a big hit. Here I am giving my version of tomato and mozzarella panini with basil walnut pesto. Giada makes this often on her food network show, that is where this dish is inspired from with my own little twists.

Traditionally they are made in a panini maker/press, but I make them in a cast iron grill pan on stove top and they turn out just as good. But if you have a panini maker, go ahead and use that. Here's how I make this.

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