Garlic Sautéed Spinach with Red Bell Peppers Recipe

This is a beautiful dish with lots of vibrant colors.  Not only does it look good, but it tastes good too!  This is a fab dish to serve if you have company over or for any holiday meal, but just make sure you double the recipe.  

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

2 gloves of garlic, minced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

4 large handfuls of baby spinach (pre-washed)

2 tablespoons of prepared balsamic vinaigrette

1.  Add extra virgin olive oil in a saute pan. Under medium high heat add the red bell pepper and saute for about 3-5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about another 3 minutes.  

2.  Add the spinach and balsamic vinaigrette and cook for another 3 minutes or until spinach becomes wilted.  

Turkey Panini with a Spinach Artichoke Spread Recipe

Everyone loves those fancy paninis at cafe's but not so much when it comes to price.  Here is my version of a popular favorite- a Turkey Panini with a Spinach Artichoke Spread.  Imagine a creamy, cheesy, artichoke spread with a slight kick, between two warm pieces of crispy soft bread.  I love adding the spinach, not only for the extra nutrients, but it looks so beautiful layered on top of the bright red tomatoes.  Also, with Thanksgiving coming up, here is a great idea what to do with all those leftovers!

1/4 cup of Hellman's mayonnaise

1/4 cup of ricotta cheese

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

1/4 cup of fresh baby spinach

1/2 cup of artichoke hearts

Few Dashes of hot sauce

8 ounces of turkey, sliced

1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

4-6 tomato slices

1 loaf of focaccia bread

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Salt and Ground Pepper

1.  Combine the mayo, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts and hot sauce in a food processor and combine until the ingredients turn into a spread.  

2.  Preheat your panini maker, or you can use a frying pan and then use another frying pan to push down on the sandwiches to "flatten"  it.  

3.  Slice the focaccia bread in half.  Spread the cheesy spinach-artichoke mixture on both sides of the bread.  Layer the turkey and then add the tomato slices.  Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top of the tomatoes and desired amount of salt and ground pepper.   Top with the other half of bread. 

4.  Brush both sides of the bread with the oil and grill until golden brown.  Slice into individual sandwiches and enjoy!