Nectarine and Cheddar Panini

I’ve been on a bit of a grilled cheese kick lately.

I know that sandwich above is a panini. But, you say panini, and I say grilled cheese. Panini just sounds worldly and cultured. Grilled Cheese sounds like pajamas and nights spent on the couch, swaddled in a blanket, flipping between the Real Housewives of New Jersey and Women’s Olympic Gymnastics.

Dare I say it? I’m a little bit over the Olympics. They’re exciting, they’re inspiring, but geez, after 1 week, I’m kinda moving on.

But I’m not moving on from the grilled cheese – especially when it’s crispy-grilled on the outside and gooey-hot on the inside, stuffed with cheddar, arugula, dijon and fresh nectarines.

Nope. In fact, I’m just gonna sit here a spell, in that sandwich, hugging a few luscious chunks of nectarine with the arugula threaded through my hair. I’ll let that melty cheddar wash all over me and marvel at the nose-tingling bite that the dijon lends the panini.

And you see that freshly oozed puddle of melted, nutty cheddar? I’ll be underneath it, fanning myself in effort to revive myself. No biggie. I’ll be okay by the next mealtime.

Nectarine and Cheddar Panini

2 slices of your favorite bread
1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
3/4 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 cup arugula
1/2 a nectarine, thinly sliced

Heat a panini pan or a frying pan over medium to medium-high heat.

Spread each slice of bread with an even layer of dijon mustard. Layer half of the arugula. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the arugula. Arrange the nectarine slices over the arugula. Arrange the remaining arugula over the nectarine and finish with the remaining cheese. Cover with the other slices of bread and grill until the sandwich is hot and golden.

Serves 1