Grilled Spinach and Cheese Panini

This recipe is only a variation of many a grilled panini that one can make.  For this recipe I have used a panini machine, which I bought for about $50 on amazon.  It is a luxurious thing to be able to whip up a hot sandwich anytime!  The key to this sandwich is lightly coating both sides of the bread with either Earth Balance spread, or my new favorite spread which is made from coconut oil.  The coconut give is a special sweet and rich flavor and I find that it is not as heavy as the Earth Balance in this recipe.    If you don’t have a panini maker, heat a pan to medium and place sandwich in hot pan with a plate on top squeezing down as the bread cooks and cheese melts.  Daiya cheese works great but if you want some calcium then use a vegan rice or soy cheese.  I put this panini in front of my toddler and he immediately digs in, with spinach and all!

Grilled Cheese and Spinach Vegan Panini

• 2 slices of gluten free bread.  I use Ezekiel and it’s awesome.  For a variation, use a raisin bread. since it is delicious with cheese.
• 2 slices of vegan cheese of choice
• small handful of baby spinach, cleaned and dried
• 2 slim slices of tomato
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil spread (or Earth Balance Spread)

Heat panini maker or pan. Spread thin coating of your choice spread on both sides of bread slices.  Place cheese, spinach and tomatoes between slices and make sandwich.  Place sandwich in panini maker or pan.  For the panini maker you do not need to flip bread to its other side.  For the pan, grill sandwich for 3 minutes squeezing down with plate and then flip sandwich over and squeeze again for another three minutes.   Let sandwich cool down for a minute, slice and serve.  Serves 1.