Stuffed Pork, Cheddar and Apple Panini
Courtesy of National Pork Board 4 Servings • 10 Min. Prep Time • 15 Min. Cook Time| Ingredients |
|---|
| 8 boneless pork loin chops, cut 1/4-in. thick and trimmed (10-12 oz. total) |
| 4 Tbsp. apricot preserves |
| 2 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard |
| nonstick cooking spray |
| 8 slices country wheat bread, 1/2-in. thick |
| 3 Tbsp. margarine, softened |
| 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced 1/8-in. thick |
| 4 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat (made with 2% milk/fat free), thinly sliced |
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine apricot preserves and mustard. Set aside.
2. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, cook pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes or until internal temperature of pork reaches 145°F., turning pork chops over halfway through cooking. Remove from pan and set aside 3 minutes.
3. Drain pan of juices and scrape bits from bottom of pan with metal spatula. Wipe pan dry with paper towels..
4. To assemble sandwiches, spread one side of each slice of bread with about 1 teaspoon margarine. Place bread slices, buttered sides down on clean cutting board. Spread unbuttered sides with apricot-mustard mixture. On half of the bread slices, layer pork, apple and cheese. Place remaining bread slices on top, buttered sides up, to form sandwiches.
5. Meanwhile, preheat skillet over medium heat. Place the 2 sandwiches in skillet without a Panini press. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. Repeat cooking remaining 2 sandwiches.
* To cook sandwiches using an electric Panini grill, preheat grill according to manufacturer's directions. Place sandwiches on grill; lower top of grill and grill for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
* This pork panini is a kid-friendly and healthy sandwich for lunch. Serve with a warm bowl of soup and carrot sticks.
* Recipe courtesy of Liz Ward, MS, RD
* Recipe and photo courtesy of National Pork Board. For more recipes visit:
www.PorkBeInspired.com
Nutrition:
Calories: 340; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 55mg; Total Carbs: 36g; Fiber: 2g; Protein: 26g; Sodium: 680mg;