Chicken, Avocado and Pesto Panini

I love sandwiches. They are so yummy. And there are so many different ways to make them. My wonderful step mom and dad got me a panini press. I LOVE it! It is amazing I tell you! I keep trying to think up new ideas of what I can press between this contraption that instantly makes food wonderful! This sandwich was no disappointment. A soft sandwich roll stuffed with pesto, grilled chicken, tomatoes, cheese and avocado......ahhh yes please. This is one of those recipes where you can make as many or as little as you want!

Ingredients:

high quality bread or soft rolls

sliced mozzarella cheese ( provolone or monterey jack would be great too!)

sliced tomato

cooked chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make two thin pieces

sliced avocado

pesto, store bought or I have a quick way to make your own (and cut out calories and fat)

1. First lets talk pesto. It is delicious. You can buy premade pesto at your grocery store or make it fresh from a bunch of basil (which is great in the summer when I have basil) or cheat like me and make it THIS way. Buy a packet of KNORR pesto mix. Don't pay any attention to the actual instructions. Get out a small sauce pan and dump the packet right in there. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of water and whisk away. Turn your heat to medium. You will continue to add water until you get to a spreadable consistency. You don't want it super thick or super thin.....somewhere in between. Ok, pesto is done..... lets assemble.

2. Spread both sides of your bread, hogie, or rolls with your yummy pesto. Next, add your chicken, cheese, tomato and avocado. Top with your other half of bread.

3. Place it on your panin press and let it grill. If you don't have a panini press, do not fear. You can simply cook it like a grilled cheese. When you sandwich is cooking place another pan on top of your sandwich to slightly flatten it. A cast iron skillet works great but any pan will do. Just use your muscles to squish it.Then flip it and press again until done.

4. When your sandwich is done cooking, slice it in half and dig in! Serve it with fruit salad, baked chips, or a salad and you will have one tasty meal.