Ham & Cheese Sandwich
Here's a classic recipe that my grandmother always made. I prefer to replace the mayonnaise with mustard.
2 slices bread (white, wheat, sourdough, etc.)
1 tbsp. mayonnaise (optional - add herbs)
1 lettuce leaf
4 slices deli-style shaved ham (smoked or brown sugar)
1 slice cheese (American, Swiss, cheddar, etc.)
2 thin tomato slices
Spread one of the bread slices with mayonnaise. Top with lettuce, ham, cheese, tomatoes and cover with remaining bread slice.
Panini Ham and Cheese
Be a little daring with this version and explore. This one is heated so you need a little more condiment to protect the integrity of your bread. But, you can also use heavier flavors in your cheese, the herbs for the mayo and your other fillings.
2 slices of wheat or rye bread, thick cut
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 tbsp mayonnaise spiked with red pepper flakes and yellow bell pepper mince
2 very thin onion slices
4 slices deli-style shave ham (smoked)
1 slice cheese (gruyere, edam, sharp cheddar, etc., go for the gusto)
3 thin slices of roma tomato or avocado (or both!)
Spread each of the bread slices on one side with your "spiked" mayonnaise. Build your fillings and layer the onion, ham, cheese tomato and/or avocado. Close your sandwich.
Spread each of the outside surfaces of the bread lightly with butter or margarine. Place on hot panini grill and press for 2 minutes or until cheese is just melting. Place on a plate and sprinkle the sandwich top with coarse ground black pepper. YUM!!!!
I truly prefer the twang of a good mustard to mayonnaise particularly on a salty ham sandwich. You can variate this recipe and try some of these fillings and condiments (only smaller sized) on biscuits with country ham. Sometimes just a touch of honey or good old pancake syrup spread over the ham slices then, heat the ham up in a skillet. This is particularly good when you are not going to us a panini grill but still want that "hot" sandwich effect. This will help melt the cheeses and blend the flavors, enjoy!

