Ooey Gooey Pesto Panini

There's nothing more delicious than ooey-gooey fresh melted mozzarella and this panini just takes it up a notch! No fancy panini maker, just a fry pan and a spatula.

Mozzarella Pesto Panini

• 2 pieces of your favorite rustic bread (We like making these with Portuguese rolls)
• 2 slices fresh mozzarella sliced medium thickness
• 2 tablespoons pesto (recipe follows)
• 1 tablespoon salted butter

Make the Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh packed basil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1.4 cup pine nuts (or pecans)
• 2/3 cup good olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano

Combine the basil, garlic and nuts in the food processor and pulse until chopped. With the food processor running, pour the oil into the chute until it is incorporated with the other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.

The Panini:

• Spread both sides of the bread with pesto and place the mozzarella in the middle. Warm the butter in a pan over medium heat and place the sandwich in it coating one side of the bread, then turn it over and coat the other side. You are now ready to cook it. 
• Press down with a spatula as the panini cooks. Let it cook for 3 minutes on each side until crispy and golden and the cheese is melted.