So, how you guys doing with the sugar overload this week? You hanging in there?
I hope so because next week is going to be THAT much better. Go grab a mug of black coffee (yes, black, because you won’t be needing to add sugar or cream!) and get ready for it. It’s not the season without a little extra sweetness, right?
Right!
But for now let’s focus on something that you can make with your leftover Christmas ham. And if you don’t have leftover Christmas ham then store-bought ham works fine (it’s what I used because a Christmas ham has not graced our home just yet), and if you don’t like ham then we can’t be friends anymore then use turkey. And I was kidding about that whole friends thing. Mostly.
Have you ever had a Cuban sandwich? It’s basically made on Cuban bread (coincidentally not an easy find in Colorado so I used regular bread) with Swiss cheese, roasted pork (roasted pork is traditional but I like ham. See paragraph above), mustard and pickles. I like mine extra spicy with a sprinkling of chipotle powder and spicy brown mustard. Bring it heartburn. OK, not really.
Now, spare me the pregnant-woman-loves-pickles jokes because this pregnant woman adores pickles even when she’s not pregnant. The only reason this sandwich has only two pickle slices on it is because I was sharing it with Nate. If it was just for me? Yeah, out of control. They might have trumped the ham. I feel like Mama Pea’s daughter Lulu and I should make a Facebook fan club about pickles…unless there already is one. Bah bah pickle pickle indeed!
SPICY CUBAN PANINI
- 8 slices of bread (if you can find Cuban bread then I’d recommend it, but if not you’re still not going to lose by using regular whole wheat – promise)
- 12 oz ham
- 8 flat sandwich pickles (I used Classen Kosher Dill pickles because they’re my favorite)
- 4 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 1-2 tsp chipotle powder, or more if you like a LOT of extra heat
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 Tbsp butter, softened
Now there’s a couple things you can do to grill these babies: we have a George Foreman grill which is perfect for paninis; you could also use a panini press if you have one, a panini pan or grill pan, or just a plain ol’ skillet. I won’t judge, but I will say it’s best if you grill it. Think melty yummy cheese. YUM.
For each sandwich (and this “recipe” makes 4 sandwiches), spread one side of two pieces of bread with 1/2 Tbsp of the spicy brown mustard and then sprinkle with chipotle powder (about 1/2 tsp per sandwich) – use more if you want more spice, less if you want less spice. Then cover one side with two slices of Swiss cheese and the other with one – it just helps it all hold together. Next layer on the pickles – 2 per sandwich – and about 3 oz of ham. Sandwich everything together and then spread each outside piece of bread with about 1/2 Tbsp of butter. Grill over medium heat until the cheese is gooey and melted and the outside of the sandwich is golden brown. Serve hot.
Yes, serve hot. With more pickles.
cuban sandwiches- i like it.
Lord, now I want THIS for dinner…
Thank you for a non-sugar recipe! I’ve eaten FAR too many cookies these past few days. Need something salty!
looks delicious, there is a Cuban deli just around the corner from me, they make the best sandwiches and flan too 🙂 I love pickles on my sandwiches, YUM!
Makes me want to jump up and make one right now!
My kids love a good Cuban sandwich – never had it in panini form, but I know they would enjoy this.
looks amazing!
yumm i love cuban food!! plantains are prob my favorite but i guess they’re more of a side dish haha. have u been to miami? ahhh such good cuban food!!!
Bah bah pickle pickle…
(there’s a Xmas version that is Fa La pickle pickle)
hahahaha! man, who knew pickles could be so multi-seasonal?!
Very nice i am also a pickle freak and a spice freak, but i have to stop a few spices they give me heartburn right now. Very strange Asian spices are ok but if i get Hot Italian sausage not so good. . .
*drools*
Being half-Cuban myself, I LOVE our sandwiches. You could try baking up your own Cuban bread or even substitute with a loaf of soft french bread. Oooo and you should totally get some Serrano ham next time…it will rock your world! 😉
Cubans are one of my absolute favorite sandwiches. Being that I live just a few hours from where they originated (I’m in Orlando) I can find the sandwiches, and the bread, everywhere. Mmm, cuban bread.
When Panini is ready, there is a party! I heard my little girl neighbor say that and it really made me smile.
drool
I’ve never had one of these… I feel so deprived!
Cuban sandwiches are some of my favorite things ever! Looks yummy!
I love Cuban sandwiches. Had the best one of my life in Miami a few years ago which I’m pretty sure was as close to Cuba as Americans could legally get 🙂
You’re not kidding with the sugar overload. I just used up the last of my butter last night and I am oddly relieved. Done with the baking and hopefully I’ll be able to see straight by next week.
Those pickles on the sandwich are just what the doctor ordered!!