A few months ago, my hubby and I bought a panini press. I must admit, when we bought it, I did not have high hopes for using it. I figured it would be one of those kitchen appliances that get stored in my cabinet to collect dust. My hubby really wanted one, so I went along with it, hehe. I was definitely wrong, because after making our first panini, I realized how yummy they are and how many different varieties we could make. We have now used it several times and this version, the french dip panini, was one of our favorites. The au jus sauce that we made to dip the sandwich into, had so much flavor and really made this sandwich a hit!!
Ingredients:
1 loaf Foccacia bread (cut into 4 sandwiches)
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 shallot, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 cups beef broth
1 lb sliced roast beef
4 slices Monterey Jack Pepper Cheese
Directions:
In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add the shallot and allow to cook for about 1-2 minutes. Add the cornstarch and cook an additional 1 minute. Whisk in the beef broth. Add the roast beef to the sauce and allow to warm over low heat. Preheat your panini press (or non-stick pan), place roast beef on bread, place one slice of cheese on top of roast beef, and cover with slice over bread to create sandwich. Place sandwich on panini press or pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. *If using a panini press, there is no need to flip sandwich.
Serve warm. Pour sauce into small bowl and use as a dipping sauce (au jus)
