Stanley Tucci's Favorite Panini

 By: The Food Hunter

 

On an episode of the Desert Island Dishes podcast, host Margie Nomura asked Stanley Tucci what his favorite sandwich was, to which Tucci exuberantly replied, “I love all sandwiches!”  Tucci went on to share that one sandwich, in particular, holds his favorite spot, and that is his twist on the infamous grilled cheese.

It should come as no surprise that Tucci’s version of this American classic uses authentic Italian ingredients. I wouldn't have expected anything less from the Italian sex symbol. 

If you want to recreate his favorite sandwich at home Tucci suggests using mozzarella, dry-cured salted ham (aka prosciutto) and fresh basil or pesto (or both).

Stanley Tucci's Favorite Cheese Panini

Ingredients

3-4 pieces of thinly sliced prosciutto
3 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
fresh basil or pesto or both
2 slices artisan bread
butter or olive oil for bread

Decide if you want to use butter or oil. My preference is butter. Coat one side of your bread slices with pats of butter and place face down on a heated griddle or flat pan.

Top each piece of bread with prosciutto and mozzarella. Lastly, top with either piece of fresh basil or a drizzle of pesto or maybe both…it is up to you. Top the sandwich with the other slice of buttered bread and cook. After a few minutes, carefully flip and cook the other side.

Once the cheese has melted, remove the sandwich from the pan, slice it in half and serve.

 By: The Food Hunter

For those who adore the combination of rich, savory flavors and the fresh taste of seafood, Mustard Seared Tuna with Shallot Cream is a dish that promises to impress. I discovered this recipe on Food & Wine. This dish, created by chef Stuart Bell, perfectly balances the robustness of Dijon mustard with the delicate flavor of tuna, all elevated by a luscious shallot cream.

Let’s explore how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen. Below is a high-level overview of the recipe scaled for 2 people.

Mustard Seared Tuna with Shallot Cream

Ingredients:

• Shallot Cream:

  • Kosher salt
  • 1-2 medium shallots (unpeeled)
  • 1/8 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• Tuna:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon drained capers
  • 1-2 tuna steaks
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • Eggplant Relish (for serving)
  • Steamed green beans (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shallot Cream:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   • Spread a 1/2-inch layer of salt in a baking dish and arrange the shallots on the salt. Bake for 45 minutes until soft. Let them cool, then peel and blend with cream, lemon juice, mustard, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Tuna:

   • Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add capers and cook until crisp. Set aside.
   • Season tuna with salt and pepper, spread mustard on each side, and cook in the same skillet until browned outside and medium-rare within.

3. Serve:

   • Plate the shallot cream and place the fish on top. Sprinkle the crispy capers. Serve alongside Eggplant Relish and steamed green beans.