'Bad'

I was updating my sidebar this evening, and the 'what's for dinner?' section, prompted me to write this post. No, 'Venetian Panino' are not 'bad' but instead bad FOR you. These sanwhiches are world famous, thanks to Harry's bar in Venice. It is pretty much a heart attack causing sandwich, however, if you only have them once in a blue moon, and you walk it off - I don't see why you can't enjoy these delicious beauties. Here is the recipe, which I adapted to my own tastes from the Giada De Laurentiis version.



Ingredients



1 cup of grated cheese (I use Edam)

2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, chopped

12 slices of shaved ham

12 slices wheat or sourdough bread, crusts removed

Olive oil





Directions

Into a food processor, add the cheese, butter, mustard, and garlic. Blend until the mixture is thick, smooth and spreadable. If you do not have a food processor, place the ingredients in a heavy bowl and use an electric beater instead.



Spread the cheese mixture over 1 side of each bread slice. Arrange the ham slices over the cheese mixture on 6 of the bread slices. Top sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, cheese mixture side down, pressing gently to adhere. Cut the sandwiches into oblongs.



Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Cook half of the sandwiches until golden brown and heated through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep them warm. Repeat with remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and sandwiches. Serve immediately.