Keeping Life Simple with Panini Burger

Yeah, I know, it’s Columbus Day. So where are all the celebrations? The history? The purely Italian dishes? Like so many things in America, Columbus Day means a day off for some, long hours for others and great deals on bedroom furniture. It makes no sense.

As the second Monday in October, it is also Native American Day (in opposition of Columbus Day) and National Kick Butt Day – what ever that means. October 9 is also Moldy Cheese Day, and Pro-Life Cupcake Day. While Moldy Cheese might sound offensive, Blue Cheese is just that – moldy cheese. As for Pro-Life Cupcake Day, it was created as a means to open up friendly conversations on right to life vs. right to choose. The cupcakes represent all the birthday cakes that might never be baked. As a Catholic, Pro-Life Cupcake Day should be a day of celebration, right? Until we reach a point in this country, and throughout the world, where children are only conceived in love, and celebrated as the precious gifts that they are, my prayers continue. It’s not about the legalities but about changing so much more than the law. My prayer has always been not to do away with Roe-V-Wade, but to do away with the need to end any life. I know, not very realistic. But then prayer and faith isn’t about being practical, is it?

No, I’ve said all in wish to say on the subject. I’d rather think about happier moments. Cooking makes me happy. Simple dishes bring me joy. And little “extras” are a source of delight. What could be more simple that a burger and fries? Wishing everyone a wonderful day. Enjoy!

Panini Burger with Air Fryer Skinny Fries
Air Fryer Skinny Fries
2 small Russet Potatoes per serving
High Temperature Cooking Spray
Olive Oil as needed
Seasoning Salt to taste

Scrub potatoes, cut ends for a straight finish. With a sharp knife or potato slicer, cut thin fries lengthwise. Place in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and season with Seasoning Salt. Set aside.

Remove basket from air fryer, spray with cooking spray. Set temperature to 400 degrees, timer to 18 minutes. Heat basket for 5 minutes. Pause.

Empty fries into the heated basket. Continue to cook for 6 minutes. Pause, remove basket, shake. Reduce temperature to 350-degrees. Continue to fry for another 7 minutes or until desired crispness in reached.

Panini Burgers
1 frozen Third-pound Burger Patty per person
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
3 tablespoons Mayonnaise per burger
2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese (from the green can)
2 Bread Slices per burger

Heat Panini Press. While the press is warming, season burgers with salt and pepper, set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Parmesan Cheese. Lay sandwich bread out on a flat surface. Spread about a tablespoon of the mayonnaise mixture on each slice of bread, set aside.

Cook burgers on the press for about 5 minutes. Rotate patties, cook an additional 3 minutes or to desired doneness. Remember, the press is cooking both sides of the burger at the same time, so it doesn’t take as long as a grilled burger.

Remove burgers from the press, wipe down grill of any residue left by the burgers. Place 1 slice of bread for each burger, mayonnaise side down. Top with another tablespoon of the mayonnaise mixture, then the burger, and finally the top slice of bread, mayo side up. Press to desired toasty golden brown, about 2 or 3 minutes.

Serve Panini Burgers with a side of fries. Cut burgers in half for easy enjoyment.

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Out of my distress I called to the Lord,
and He answered me