While waiting for a hurricane to hit, what better thing to do than devise dishes to help clean out my fridge/freezer.  In the event we lose power, I’d like to use as much as possible as quickly as possible.

A gooey melting panini is the perfect afternoon snack.  I had thinly-sliced ham and provolone left over from making my melanzane ripieno the other day and I just bought a fresh loaf of ciabatta at my local market. 

This is so simple, no recipe is required.  Nor is any electric panini maker required.  A stovetop griddle will suffice (or a simple saute pan if you don’t have a griddle).  A lid with some cans on it will act as a weight to press the sandwich into melting submission!

Simply butter the insides of 2 pieces of fresh split ciabatta bread

Add 2 thin slices of provolone and 2 thin slices of of ham.

Press the sandwiches together and place on preheated stovetop grill pan or slightly oiled saute pan.

 Place a flat lid or baking pan on top, weighted down with 2 cans (beans).

Cook on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, then flip.  Continue cooking on second side until cheese is melted and underside is toasted.