Making the Ultimate at-Home Panini with Le Creuset (and Giveaway!)

Mom Central received a sample of the Le Creuset Panini Set to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own.

One of my favorite go-to lunch solutions is a hot and crispy panini. When paired with a side salad, some grilled veggies, or a nice green juice, a panini is a delicious warm and hearty meal, and can even be a fantastic afternoon snack.

I was so excited to discover the Le Creuset Panini Set so that I could make these delicious hot sandwiches at home. The set is comprised of a square skillet and ribbed weighted press, which simultaneously heats the top and bottom of grilled sandwiches. The interior is coated with Le Creuset’s protective satin black enamel finish to prevent damage and wear. The weighted press features a phenolic knob for safe and secure lifting when cooking is finished.

To use the press, you first simultaneously heat the skillet and press on two burners on low heat. After about three minutes of heating, it’s time to add the sandwich to the skillet. (To test to see if the skillet’s hot enough, sprinkle a bit of water on it. If it sizzles and evaporates on contact, it’s ready to go!) You then simply put the press on the top of the sandwich and it’s cooked in a matter of minutes when the cheese starts to ooze! I combined ingredients from two panini recipes I found online – gruyere cheese, avocado, arugula, tomato, Bosc pear, and a little bit of Dijon mustard. It was delicious!

Le Creuset has been making premium cast iron cookware for almost a century since the company’s inception in 1925 in France. I have always heard great things about the brand from my friends who are passionate cooks, and I can now see why they choose this brand for searing, baking, slow-cooking and more. The grill pan and press are very sturdy and you can that the quality of the cast-iron is truly top of the line to allow for efficient and even cooking. Like with all Le Creuset products, the Panini Set is available in a variety of beautiful color finishes (mine is Cherry!) to compliment your kitchen décor.

To learn about more products for the kitchen, follow Le Creuset on Facebook at facebook.com/lecreuset.

Win a Le Creuset Panini Set!

Le Creuset is offering a lucky Mom Central blog reader the chance to win a Le Creuset Panini Set! (Retail value $200.)

To enter, leave a comment below by midnight EST on November 1, 2013 on what your favorite panini ingredients are. The winner will be selected randomly and notified by email.

You must be 18 and over to enter and a resident of the US. By entering into our giveaway, you must have read and understand our giveaway rules. Giveaway ends November 1, 2013.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Shutterstock