Thursday, March 18, 2010

Panini with Anjou Pears, Brie, Caramelized Walnuts and Arugula Pesto Mayo

Another in our fruit and cheese sandwich series*, this panini was such a success at home that we are now offering it as a special at Be-Wiched.   The arugula pesto mayo, made with arugula from our garden, is an amazing condiment that would work on many sandwiches.  The recipe makes more pesto mayo than you'll need, so use the extra to make more sandwiches or to experiment with other combinations.  Here we combined it with our favorite creamy brie, Saint-AndrĂ©, anjou pears and caramelized walnuts.  Add some sourdough bread and you've got a panini to remember.
Anjou Pear, Caramelized Walnuts and Arugula Pesto Mayo Panini
makes two sandwiches

Ingredients

Arugula Pesto Mayo

3            cups           packed arugula
1/4         cup            toasted pine nuts
1/4         cup            freshly grated parmesan
1/4         cup            olive oil
3 1/2      tbs             mayo
                               sea salt and black pepper

Caramelized Walnuts

1            cup            walnuts
2            tbs             light corn syrup
1            tbs             sugar
1/2         tsp             salt
1/4         tsp             ground black pepper


Panini

4           slices         sourdough bread
1                            anjou pear, sliced thinly
4                            thick slices brie

Procedure

Arugula Pesto Mayo
  1. Combine arugula, pine nuts and parmesan in food processor until smooth.
  2. With machine running, gradually add olive oil and mix until well blended.
  3. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
  4. Add mayo and blend well.
  5. You will have extra after making the sandwich.
Caramelized Walnuts
  1. Preheat oven to 325°.
  2. Use silpat or spray sheet pan with non-stick spray.
  3. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and toss well.
  4. Spread out on sheet pan and bake, stirring occasionally to break up clumps, until deep golden brown and sugar is bubbling.
  5. Remove from oven and cool.
  6. You may have extra caramelized walnuts after making the sandwich.
Panini
  1. Spread arugula pesto mayo on both sides on bread.  One one side, layer pears, then cheese and walnuts.  Add top slice of bread and toast on panini press or in a pan lightly coated with olive oil.  If using a pan, weigh down sandwich with another pan on top and a tea kettle or similar for weight.  Flip over to grill evenly.
  2. Eat warm.

Check out our other Sandwiches in this series:
**Caramelized Apple Melt with Aged Cheddar and Arugula
**Green Apple, Brie and Caramelized Onion Panini

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17 comments:

  1. I'm totally bookmarking all your fabulous sandwich ideas! I always have a hard time coming up with lunches, and these sandwiches are perfect!

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  2. This is such a great combo--makes me so hungry! Great arugula pesto!

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  3. Oh wow! This looks so good. I normally hate sandwiches, but this is meatless and unique and totally catches my eye.

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  4. I think that is my favorite sandwich among all of the ones you made, it is just THE sandwich, love love it!!!

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  5. This is one of the best fillings I have seen in a while. I salute you.

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  6. I can't even begin to say how delicious this looks! The combination of flavors and textures is brilliant!

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  7. That looks really good. It must taste even better since there are garden goods in it as well. I love how people put their gardening vegetables in their own recipes. Keep up the great work!

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  8. Yummy i am too much hungry now. its really fantastic post, Thank you so much
    Landscaping Minnesota

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  9. Such a great combination, I could go for that right now!

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  10. I just sent this post to a friend and said, "I would kill for this right now." I can't even look at it anymore b/c I can't stop drooling. WELL DONE! I saw this on tastespotting.

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  11. That is one nice looking sandwich!

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  12. Thanks for posting this great sandwich - it tastes as amazing as it looks! Served it with some baked beet chips which was delicious and added to the beautiful colours! The pesto is genious and the leftovers were great on little french bread toasts with melted mozzarella and some pepper! YUM! Thanks again for the post!!!

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  13. Beautiful sandwich. I never thought that vegetarian sandwiches would look, sound and taste this good until you posted them. It's the same with your flatbreads.

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  14. Yum. I can't wait to make this sandwich. I love caramelized nuts and pesto, and my sister loves brie. Sounds like a sisterly dinner to me. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. I made it with Chevre instead of brie and toasted instead of caramelized walnuts and it was awesome!

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  16. Your panini recipe is definitely something to try out! The ingredients can be found in almost any grocery store and the steps that you have provided can be easily understood. This is one way of shaking things up with the way you prepare your panini sandwich, thanks!

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  17. Please, please add a pin button because your recipes are amazing !!

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