Spinach & Tomato Panini with Buffalo Hot Sauce

We were blessed with gorgeous weather in the Tri-State this weekend, I’m talking 70s and 80s during the day.  

In addition to that, I got out of work at 12:30 PM on Friday because I worked extra hours last week, hey, you don’t see me complaining.   I’m just happy they recognized the extra hours and gave me most of the day off.  

I did what any normal person would have done, I went SHOPPING with my partners in crime… Jhiane and Marian.  We drove to the Woodbury Commons Outlets in Upstate New York, just an hour north of NYC.


Our first stop was the food court… of course…



… and then we shopped.  Woodbury Commons is like a little village.



Although we didn’t buy a single thing, I had to look on the positive side that the 3 of us had so much FUN and that’s what it’s all about!  The main reason I even drove to Upstate was for Tory Burch. 



I have been pining over those Reva Ballet Flats and I was hoping to buy them at a discounted rate, unfortunately they didn’t have the shoes I wanted.  I may just have to purchase these precious babies full price.  Aren’t they so adorable?  I LOVE Tory’s logo! 



The next day my husband and I drove all the way down to South Jersey to visit my friend, Anu and her husband.  To my surprise my friend made Indian food… Vegetable Pulao (Mixed Pilaf Rice) and Cashew Nut Chicken which was mouthwateringly delicious.  Oh my, I can still recall the taste of those tender bite size pieces of chicken in a thick gravy. 



We also enjoyed some really strong red wine and ended the night watching an Indian flick – Love Aaj Kal (means “Love These Days”) while we enjoyed dessert.  It was a fun night thanks to our hosts.



Today I attended my Spirituality Class – it’s a class that teaches you “the art of living.”  Allow me to enlighten you, just as though you would learn how to play a musical instrument, similarly the art of living is a skill that can be learned.  It’s actually quite intriguing and I figured I might as well learn those skills sooner than later because I truly want to learn how to live and enjoy my life to the fullest.  I’ll discuss my thoughts on this class after a few lessons.  

After class I hung out at the mall with my sis-in-law and nieces.  My sis-in-law treated us to Starbucks – we had Awake Tea, Coffee Frappuccino, Blueberry Scone, and a Coffee Cake – it was all so delicious – thanks GB!  Starbucks Scones Rule! 

And now I leave you with a simple and healthy Spinach and Tomato Panini I make when I don’t have much time to cook, like on a weeknight.  Enjoy!





NUTRITION: Whole Wheat Bread is a good source of Protein and Fiber.  Spinach is loaded with tons of nutrients.  It is rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, and is an excellent source of Iron and Folic Acid.  Spinach is also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids.  Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin A and C.  Although high in fat, cheese is an excellent source of Protein and Calcium and should be eaten in moderation.





INGREDIENTS (makes 3 sandwiches):

• Whole Wheat Bread – 2 slices at a time
• Mexican Blend Cheese – 2 small handfuls per sandwich (use “reduced fat” if you prefer)
• Fresh Spinach Leaves – 2 small handfuls per sandwich
• Red Onion – 1 small (sliced in rings)
• Plum Tomato – 1 small (sliced in rings)
• Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce – few drops
• Black Pepper – sprinkle a bit
• salt – to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. Slice the tomato and onion.  Wash the spinach leaves and set aside. 



2. Place a slice of bread on your panini grill and top with some cheese.



3. Top with a few spinach leaves.



4. Top with some onion rings.



5. Top with a few slices of tomato.



6. Top with some Frank’s Red Hot Sauce.



7. Top with black pepper and salt.



8. Again, top with a few spinach leaves.



9. Top with a little more cheese.



10. Top with a slice of bread.



11. Gently press the panini grill down.  You can control how thick or thin you want the sandwich.





12. 5 minutes later this is what you should have.



13. Slice into half.



14. I enjoyed this panini with coke in a pretty martini glass.  Although I very seldom drink soda, if I’m having a sandwich, pizza, or pasta, I’ll treat myself, gotta live a little, ya know?