Panini, Bruschetta, Crostini

There are descriptions of toppings. I would not describe most of them as recipes. Not sure why many deserve a page in a book. Most were not calling me to make them or to want to eat them. Not very interesting.

First, a note: This book came out several years ago, before you could buy anything resembling a panini press! So the title, which was perfectly appropriate when the book was published, now may seem misleading to people who are looking for recipes to go with their newly-purchased home panini press. Folks, this is NOT a book of grilled panini recipes. But what it is, is a book of simple, delicious Italian sandwiches made with easy-to-find ingredients. I bought this book when it first came out, and several of the recipes have become standards. The Orange Marmalade Fritatta Panino is a delicious, barely-sweet breakfast sandwich I make at least a couple of times a month. It's so simple I don't even need to read the recipe anymore. The grilled chocolate sandwich shown on the cover is a simple, delicious snack, and always surprises friends or guests. There are other sandwiches I've loved from this book, made with roasted red peppers, oil-cured olives, tasty tangy goat cheese... But trust me that every sandwich is well planned, beautifully photographed, and every one I've made is worth trying.

This was given as a gift to our daughter and at this time she has read through the book and has found a lot of dishes she wants to make. It is very informative.

I bought this book over ten years ago, after I saw the chocolate sandwich on the cover. Tried it and LOVED it, as did my son. From there I just worked my way through the book and I can't remember being unhappy with anything I made from it. Surprised by the negative reviews posted just under mine but I guess if its not what you're expecting, then you're going to be disappointed. That said, it's a fabulous sandwich book.

My requirements for a sandwich is that is should be healthy (not slathered in butter and stuffed with salami), that it should be simple to prepare, that the ingredients are readily available, and, oh yes, that it tastes great. Few American sandwiches fit this bill (My hat's off to a few at Subway). Looking for ways to diversify my lunch, both for home and carrying to work, I've been pouring over some popular sandwich cookbooks, and this is the best one yet. The ingredients revolve around luscious breads and are topped with healthy Mediterranean staples such as olive oil, garlic, vegetables, fruit juices, fish, low-fat ham and tasty cheeses. A scouting trip to my local supermarket found the ingredents, or acceptible substitutes, readily available, and it took me just three minutes to prepare my first sandwich from this book (a tastier than expected combination of artesan sourdough roll, garlic, olive oil, black olives, lemon juice and orange peel). Can't wait to try the next one. The best sandwiches of all, though, are those of one's own invention. Once you accumulate a well-stocked pantry of La Place's basic ingredients, there appears to be no limit to the tasty possibilities you can come up with on your own. Nick Sullivan [email protected]

Fresh bread, cheese, veggies, meat, seafood --- all combined into delightful fares, such as sandwiches, snacks, etc.Fond of Goat Cheese and Roasted Pepper Panini; Swordfish and Arugula Panini;Insulata Russa and Shrimp Tramezzini; Polenta Triangles with Peppers and Gorgonzola;Toasted Bittersweet Chocolate Panino;Ice Cream Sandwich, Italian Style.Well done with photos, instructions and pointers.Refreshing, great additions to a menu or as a stand-alone snack or dinner.