Caprese Panini

Last week I showed you how to make the classic caprese salad.  Today I have another way for you to enjoy that delicious combination of flavors - in a panini!!  This is such a simple meal and it is great for lunch or dinner.  It is a wonderful way to give kids an alternative to plain grilled cheese that they are sure to love.  Adults can eat these with tomato slices and bigger pieces of basil, but I choose to dice the tomato and cut the basil into ribbons so it is easier for my daughter to eat.  Enjoy this sandwich with a salad made from other summer vegetables.  

Ingredients
crusty white bread (I usually use a french miche for paninis)
butter
sliced mozzarella cheese
tomatoes, sliced or diced
basil, cut into thin ribbons

Directions

1. Butter the outside of the bottom pice of bread.
2. Place a single layer of mozzarella cheese on the inside of the bread.
3. Layer with tomatoes then basil.
4. Scatter a few more pieces of cheese on top of the tomatoes and basil.
5. Place the other slice of bread on top and butter the outside.
6. Place into a heated panini press and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.