The ultimate Thanksgiving leftover turkey sandwich! Slices of turkey are paired with melted Brie cheese and a smoky sweet cherry-chipotle jam.
Have no fear, this post will indeed be about Thanksgiving feast leftovers. In fact, it will be about a panini sandwich, filled with turkey, oozing melted Brie cheese, sweet pear, and a sauce with a sweet kick - a mixture of cherry jam and smoky chipotle peppers, to be exact. However, I ask you to indulge me for a moment as I reflect on the meaning of the Thanksgiving season (at least here in my adopted home of the United States). It is a time of gratitude, of expressing our thanks for the good things in life, of spending time with family and friends.
Each year, we ask our two boys what they are thankful for. When they were very young, the objects of their gratitude were typically their most treasured stuffed animals or their favorite cookies. As they grow and mature, their understanding and appreciation of the world has expanded. This year, their lists include our family (every family member, including cats, dog, and fish were named), their friends, and "the earth". Okay, there may have also been a mention or two of their Star Wars movies and favorite NFL quarterbacks. They are passionate about the people and things they love, innocently and honestly proclaiming their dedication. Unlike the jaded adults they live with (yes, that would be my husband and me), they express their gratitude on a daily basis, not waiting for a national holiday to reflect on the good things in life.
Last week, the boys brought home a note from school. It was a plea to all of the families to help one of their own. A 10-year old boy, only one year older than my eldest son, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and the disease has reached an advanced stage. His one wish is to make a trip to Disneyland with his family, which his family can not afford. The school administration asked us, if we felt so compelled, to reach into our pockets and give what we could to make this young boy's wish come true. My reaction was deep sadness for the life this boy will never get to experience and heartbreak for his parents. Apparently my husband, kids and I were not the only ones to feel that way. The community rallied and the boy's wish will be granted. I came away thinking to myself, "Why does it take a story such as this to really appreciate my kids and to be grateful for the time I have with them?"
You can not live for almost 40 years (enter heart palpitations) without experiencing some loss and family health scares. Inevitably, at some time in the process of dealing with these situations, I make a silent promise to appreciate each day, each moment that I spend with my loved ones. For several weeks afterwards, I make a conscious effort to soak in those moments and to be vividly aware of every conversation and unspoken emotion. As time moves on, I once again become absorbed with daily problems which, in the scheme of things, are rather inconsequential. I try not to be too hard on myself, knowing that it is human nature to live in the present and to be immune to the lessons of our personal histories. That being said, I am determined to take a page from my kids' books and to find grace and gratitude in the little things. I wish each of you a day full of family, friends, and thanksgiving, and the ability to be grateful for even the smallest gifts each day.
Make the cherry chipotle sauce
In a small bowl, stir together cherry jam, finely chopped chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce (from chipotle can).
How to make turkey panini
Preheat panini press or large grill pan or skillet.
Cut ciabatta rolls in half horizontally. Divide the cherry-chipotle sauce evenly between the four rolls, spreading on top and bottom halves.
On the bottom half of each roll, layer Brie cheese, turkey, pear slices, and spinach leaves. Top with other halves of the rolls.
Place the sandwiches on the panini maker or pan, working in batches if necessary. Close the panini press. If using a grill pan or skillet, place a brick, washed and wrapped in foil, on top of the sandwiches to emulate a panini press. When the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the press, cut in half, and serve immediately.
Printable Recipe
Turkey, Brie and Pear Panini
Ingredients
The sauce
- 6 tablespoons cherry jam
- 1 chipotle pepper seeded and chopped (See Note)
- ½ teaspoon adobo sauce (from chipotle pepper can)
The panini
- 4 ciabatta rolls
- 4 ounces Brie cheese sliced
- 6 ounces roasted turkey breast sliced
- 1 large ripe pear sliced
- ¾ cup (packed) spinach leaves
Instructions
The sauce
- In a small bowl, stir together cherry jam, finely chopped chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce (from chipotle can).
The panini
- Preheat panini press or large grill pan or skillet.
- Cut ciabatta rolls in half horizontally. Divide the cherry-chipotle sauce evenly between the four rolls, spreading on top and bottom halves.
- On the bottom half of each roll, layer Brie cheese, turkey, pear slices, and spinach leaves. Top with other halves of the rolls.
- Place the sandwiches on the panini maker or pan, working in batches if necessary. Close the panini press. If using a grill pan or skillet, place a brick, washed and wrapped in foil, on top of the sandwiches to emulate a panini press.
- When the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the press, cut in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
marla {family fresh cooking}
Dara, thanks for this post and this very important message. After my surgery I made it clear to myself that I would slow down & take more time to enjoy my kids & the little things in life. It is so very important.
Awesome that you could help this family in need 🙂 My prayers go out to all of them. xo
Cookin' Canuck
Marisa, Judy, Jenna - Thank you for your comments. I agree - it would be wonderful if the family could build some positive, lasting memories from their trip together.
Torview, Tracy, Lauren, Amanda - Thank you!
Ang - It was really heartening to hear that the community supported this family. It is easy to become jaded about society in general - until a story of human generosity such as this comes along.
Damaris - Yes, the flavor and texture combination of pears and cheese is unforgettable.
jennaseverythingblog
What a touching story--the beauty of a community coming together paired with the sadness of a life ending too soon. What a good reminder for us to take each day with gratitude!! I also get caught up in the inconsequential far too often.
On a lighter note, the sandwich looks fantastic--thanks for the recipe!
Amanda
A beautiful touching story...and a great lookin sandwich. Thanks so much for sharing!
Damaris @Kitchen Corners
today we had pears and cheese and crackers for breakfast. i was only introduced to the glorious taste of cheese and pears last month. I'm in love. I'm also in love with your story of gratitude. thanks for sharing!
Lauren
A "gobbler" sandwich consisting of leftovers is one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving! A panini version sounds even better :).
Tracy
What a touching post. The panini is absolutely perfect...I'm bookmarking it for the day after Thanksgiving!
Judy
You're absolutely right, Dara, why does it take something so dreadful for us to appreciate what we have? I hope that family will be able to look back on some happy memories when they are grieving.
Thanks for that great recipe too.
Ang
Sometimes our problems seem so big and it's hard to see beyond what we're feeling. Thinking of this young boy reminds me just how small my issues are. I love to hear when communities pull together to give a family such a gift during such a hard time.
On another note, a panini is my favorite type of sandwich and I can't wait to try this one.
Torviewtoronto
flavourful panini delicious