Pound Cake Peanut Butter Panini

     I do not have a Panini press.  Yet.  I WANT one.  There are so many delicious looking things you can make with one---from the obvious sandwich to desserts, like this one I stumbled across in a magazine the other night. Most of the peanut butter Panini dessert recipes call for sliced banana, and viola, you'll have an  "Elvis Panini".  So, add banana to the recipe below if you'd like.

     I must try, as my husband is a huge peanut butter fan.  I'm all about CHOCOLATE.  But, I'll take one for the team and make this for him as soon as he buys me a Panini gadget. 

     One doesn't HAVE to have a Panini Press to make any of the dishes, though.  I don't know why a waffle maker wouldn't work, OR if you opt to use your grill, take a heavy skillet and press your sandwich that way.  You won't get the cool marks, but after you take that first bite, you won't care!

      If you're going to seriously get into making  Panini's, you may want to check out this cookbook:
http://pinterest.com/pin/122371314846266829/   Click on the blue link and it will take you to Amazon, where you can purchase.  Or type the name into EBay's search bar and see if someone there is selling it. 

    

   
      Enjoy and have fun ~

 Pound Cake Peanut Butter Panini


1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1/4 C hot caramel sauce topping (store-bought, from a jar, like Smucker's)
6 Tbsp. cream cheese, softened
12 (1/2 inch thick) slices prepared pound cake
6 Tbsp. chopped roasted, salted peanuts
1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt

Preheat Panini grill to medium-high heat (350 to 400 degrees).  In a small bowl, combine peanut butter and caramel topping.  Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese on one side of half of pound-cake slices.  Spread peanut butter mixture on one side of remaining half of pound cake slices.  Evenly sprinkle peanuts and salt on top of peanut-butter mixture.  Cover with remaining half of pound-cake slices, cream cheese side down.  Grill for 1 minute. 

Peony Pinching Tip

     Peonies are one of my all-time favorite flowers.  I have a deep pink planted in my new landscaping which is only one year old, so it will be a few more years until I can enjoy a really abundant plant with tons of flowers for cutting. I thought I'd share some tips today......

     Peonies picked in bud will open within a day or two, and then the blooms will last for up to a week in a vase.  To keep bouquets as fresh as possible, use floral food (available at hobby shops and through florists), and change the water in the vase, clipping the stems an inch or so every two to three days

     I did not know this ~ maybe you don't either? Cut several stems topped by big buds (before they open), put them in a plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep for 4 to 5 weeks. When they're brought out and put into a vase, they open up to be just as fragrant and colorful as those grown outdoors----plus, no ants!

     Peony for your thoughts!  Sorry, I couldn't resist.......I wanted to say that since the first sentence, lol. 

     Here's wishing you a beautiful, BLOOMING Summer!