Strawberry, Brie & Peppered Turkey Panini w/ Grilled Walla Walla Onions

When the hubs and I got married last year, we received a panini press as a wedding gift.  Now, we hadn't registered for one, but bless the guest who thought they knew best, because this thing is rocking!  It is used constantly in this home for sandwiches, veggies and fries.  It's the classy, married version of the undergrad George Forman everyone seems to have.

I've had some homerun combos in the past, but this has to be one of my all-time favorites.  Brie is the hubs go-to cheese, generally prepared in phyllo dough with either dried fruit & herbs or jam and nuts.  But we had a bit of extra after making some delicious Brie & Brisket Quesadillas and I was feeling sandwichy.  So after a few choice selections from the refrigerator, a new panini was born.

Brie is great with fruit, so the strawberries are fantastic.  The peppered turkey adds an unexpected flavor pop and a little spice to the sweet, creamy sandwich.  I add panini-press grilled Walla Walla sweet onions...another flavor surprise that adds a bit of sweetness and texture, but if you're not into onions you can just leave them out.   Keep the spinach though...you can hardly taste it, and it adds calcium and fiber to your lunch.

Strawberry, Brie & Peppered Turkey Panini (2 servings)

• 4 slices whole wheat bread 
• 6 oz peppered turkey breast
• 4 oz brie (regular has a stronger flavor than reduced fat, but you can use either)
• 1/2 c fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/3 c spinach
• 2 slices Walla Walla onion (or white)

Place your bread in the panini press and turn on high to toast bread.  While the bread is toasting, slice up your strawberries and onions.  Remove the bread when it just begins to toast, about 2-3 minutes.  Take the onions and put them in the panini press so they grill and start to caramelize, about 2-3 minutes.  Meanwhile, divide the turkey, spinach and strawberries between the two sandwiches.  I typically put the cheese in the middle to hold the ingredients together.  Remove the onions and add to the sandwiches.  Once completely assembled, place back in the panini press and grill for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and beginning to run off the sandwich....when you hear it sizzle, it's time!  

Remove & cut to serve.  Rectangle or triangle slices are personal preference, but I like triangles.  Enjoy!