The Anatomy of a Panini

A Pazzo Gelato core value is providing our patrons with a variety of authentic Italian-inspired treats!   Why Italian-inspired rather that simply Italian?  It is the inspiration of Italian food philosophy that is important to us not necessarily only using Italian ingredients.  So the focus then becomes using quality products made in the Italian tradition but with our own unique spin.  Our paninis represent great examples of this philosophy.   More than just a grilled sandwich- a Panini, if done correctly is a signature Italian specialty! Panino, is the Italian word for a sandwich made from bread. But wait, aren’t all sandwiches made from bread? The difference- a Panino or Panini is made with bread other than sliced. Traditionally created on Italian bread, we’ve got grilling up Panini’s down to a science.

The Bread Bone

Oh the bread of it all! What bread you chose can determine whether you’re just creating a fancy grilled cheese or a truly delicious Panini!  We offer a choice of two Panini squares (white or multi-grain) made for us right here in North Andover by Jessica’s Brick Oven Bakery.  Jessica’s developed beautiful dense crust squares that generate ‘Old-World’ flavor when hot-pressed.  An old saying in food is that your product is only as good as the worst component.  So you can have the most wonderful ingredients and the bread is inferior, the sandwich devolves into a soggy mess.  Thus it becomes  of the utmost importance to choose the proper bread to serve as the foundation for your paninis.  Jessica’s shares the same old world philosophy as Pazzo Gelato by using highest quality of ingredients and dedication to detail. You can taste the difference- we promise. Much like how you wouldn’t want to build a house with an unstable foundation- you wouldn’t want to try to build the perfect Panini with tasteless bread. Trust us, a Panini is way cooler than sliced bread!  (Not to say we don’t love sliced bread because we do it use to make our kid’s grilled cheese and also offer an herb gluten free bread for those with dietary restrictions.)

Meat Me in The Middle

For all you carnivores out there- we know there is nothing better than biting through 2 hearty squares of bread to find an assortment of fresh and complimenting meats. So, what’s the beef? It’s all in how you slice it- thin layers of roast beef, corned beef, sweet soppressata, mortadella, cappicola, prosciutto and spice rubbed pork all make the perfect filling to any Panini!  When it comes to the selection of meats, it is important to include strong flavors to compliment the cheese you chose to incorporate into your sandwich. But if you’re more of a herbivore, there is a great combination of veggies and selected cheeses that make for a filling and satisfying meal. Plus, one of the most popular of Panini’s is sans meat: The Caprese! Bite into fresh mozzarella, vine ripened tomatoes and basil pesto. And if the meat lovers are feeling left out, this tasty Panini also goes well with prosciutto!  This is where the Italian-inspired philosophy comes into play.  Do they eat a Rueben sandwich in Italy?  Most certainly not, but why should we limit ourselves?  Take the Italian philosophy of using high quality meats and breads and your panini possibilities become endless.

Not Your Average Grilled Cheese

Like the glue that holds this sandwich together- the cheese is notably one of the most important elements to any great Panini and plus, look at those beautiful grill lines! Once pressed to perfection, a warm Panini with melted cheese is a success in our book! With so many cheeses to choose from- what do you do? From the classic mozzarella, Swiss cheese, provolone and even cream cheese- there is no limit to your dairy heaven.

So dive in and enjoy that first crunch as you bite into your grilled masterpiece! With a Panini the opportunities really are endless. Head on into Pazzo Gelato and try one of our made to order Panini’s – they’re a real ‘hot’ commodity around here! Be sure to visit our website at www.pazzogelatocafe.com for all of our delicious Panini’s or call us at 978-258-0995 and pick up lunch!