Nutella and Apricot Panini

We all deserve a little something extra special once and again. Something to lift our spirits just a bit, to put a smile on our face, and let us forget about the days worries for just a few moments. I'm sure it comes as no surprise when I say that when I feel like I need a touch of something out of the ordinary to perk up my day, I always treat myself in the form of food...and well, oftentimes a drink as well!

This week when both my mom and I needed a pick me up after a stressful week I offered to make us sandwiches, but not just any type of sandwiches, I'm talking about Nutella and Apricot Paninis (insert applause here). My mom sounded a little skeptical of the combination at first, but when I brought out a plate full of warm and toasty sandwiches, oozing with melted chocolate hazelnut spread, and the smell of chocolate, apricots, and toasted bread wafting off of the plate, she knew, just as I had, that this one was a winner. Give this one a try, I promise you'll be thanking me after.

Tip: I don't have a panini press so I use a grill pan weighed down with a heavy pan on top. I'll toast one side of the sandwich with the pan weighing the bread down on top (and pressing with my hands to help), then flip and do the same with the other side.

Ingredients:

2 slices Challah bread (or other bread of your choice)

about 2 tbsp Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread

1 fresh apricot, quartered

a few toasted hazelnuts, chopped

about 1-2 tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Spread Nutella on one side of both slices of bread. Top one slice evenly with apricot slices. Sprinkle evenly with hazelnuts. Top with other slice of bread and butter both sides. Toast in a panini press until bread is toasted and slightly crunchy and chocolate has melted. If you don't have a panini press see tip above.

Listening To: I Feel You - Sam Roberts