Rachel Ray's Mediterranean Magic

Did you see the Rachel Ray Show today? Oh my goodness, check out this amazing Italian Tuna Melt Panini! Talk about jazz up the old Tuna Salad. This Mediterranean option is divine looking and tops my list of new, new recipes!




Tuna Melt Pressed Panini
Ingredients

2 5.6-ounce tins Italian tuna, drained
1 14-ounce can artichoke bottoms or hearts in water, drained and chopped
1/4 cup loosely packed soft sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pitted Italian or Kalamata black olives, sliced
1/4 cup caper berries, sliced or halved or 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, a handful, finely chopped
2 large shallots or 1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup baby arugula
1 large lemon
EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for liberal drizzling
Pepper
1/2 pound deli-sliced provolone cheese
1 loaf ciabatta bread, split lengthwise horizontally
Yields: Serves 4

Preparation

Heat panini press or cast iron skillet for pressing sammy. If using a skillet, you will need another heavy skillet to press with or a brick, wrapped in foil.

Flake tuna in bowl. Add chopped artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, caper berries or capers, parsley, shallots and arugula. Dress with lemon juice and liberal drizzle of EVOO. Mix to combine salad thoroughly, season with pepper to taste.
Arrange half of the cheese, overlapping the slices, on the bottom half of ciabatta. Top with salad in even layer then arrange remaining cheese and top with bread. Cut the loaf into 4 sections and press a few minutes to melt cheese and heat through. Serve sammies with Warm Penne Pasta Salad alongside.

What are your favorite new recipes? Check out "Tasty Tuesday" for more fun recipes!

Warmly,