Sammich Saturday: Balsamic Caprese Panini

I have a confession. I tend to be a creature of habit. My daily routine is usually planned out ahead of time if it will vary from the norm, and if something “comes up”, it usually makes me cringe a little inside, even if it’s something that I will really enjoy doing – because it means that my planned day/night is going to be altered. While I am adaptable and enjoy spontaneity, I can’t always shake that feeling inside or the need for structure and planning.

Last weekend I prepared a sandwich that I had on my menu, and let’s just say – it didn’t turn out how I’d hoped. So, I’m thinking (in a panicked voice) I’m not going to have a sandwich to post on Saturday!! What am I going to do? The menu is planned out for the rest of the week already!!

And then I breathe, take a look at other sandwiches, and do some menu shuffling. Problem solved, crisis averted. And, while I hope to revisit the sandwich that was originally planned (because it really will be great!), this panini turned out to be a wonderful replacement! While it isn’t quite tomato season yet, this is still so good! I found some delicious tomatoes, and combined with fresh mozzarell, basil, and my beloved balsamic vinegar on crusty bread I had a summer sammich hit in my hands.

Now, full disclosure – my first attempt was not the best, because the bread I used got a little soggy in spots. So, be sure that you use a good, thick and crusty bread so that this doesn’t happen to you! The flavors are too good be be ruined by soggy bread.  If you opt to eat it as a cold sammich, instead of a hot panini, then you probably don’t have to worry about it getting soggy, though. Now, get to the store, and make this panini!