A Special Birthday-Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Panini

Today is one of my best friend’s birthday, Jess. We have been friends for over 6 years, met in high school when she came to L.A all the way from Indonesia. One of my fondest memory with her is during high school, we would always ditch our community service events and go shopping instead. I used to tease her a lot for sleeping so early in high school and never going out with us, but I guess it came around full circle because she is doing that to me now! This girl has been there through my break ups, make ups, my cooking disasters to adventures, and everything in between. She is really a true friend that has seen me at my lowest and highest point. Thank you for being real and putting up my crazy and psychotic sides. Here’s to you and our many more years of friendship to come! (She’s going to kill me for putting these up)

Senior year of high school..2004

The morning of high school graduation

ChinaTown 2006

Graduation 2007

LA Marathon 2009

On a completely different note, I packed a picnic lunch today and met her at work. I made these tomato, basil & mozzarella sandwiches in between some Parmesan garlic herb bread. It was light and fresh, perfect for a picnic lunch. This classic combination of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, put it between two pieces of crusty bread is satisfying lunch or an easy warm-weather supper.

Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Panini

Makes 2 servings

• 4 slices herb bread, preferably whole-grain
• 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, preferably smoked, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons hummus or pesto
• 1.5 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions
1. Spread the hummus/pesto mixture on both sides of the bread. Layer on cheese slices, some pepper, then the tomato slices; season with salt and vinegar. Top with several basil leaves.