Ham and Artichoke Panini

• Recipe by Annie Miller

Ingredients

1. 4 extra-thick pocketless pita breads, halved horizontally
2. 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese
3. 6 ounces sliced ham
4. 2 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
5. 1/3 cup pitted Calamata olives, coarsely chopped
6. One 7-ounce jar marinated artichokes, drained
7. 12 basil leaves
8. 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
9. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Arrange the pitas cut side up on a work surface. Cover 4 of the pita halves with the provolone. Arrange the ham, pepperoni, olives and artichokes, each on its own quadrant of the 4 panini halves. Top with the basil leaves and mozzarella and close the pitas. Brush the tops with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon of the remaining olive oil in each of 2 large skillets. Add 2 pita panini to each and press down with a smaller skillet. Cook over moderate heat, turning once, until the cheese is melted and the panini are crisp, about 10 minutes. Cut into quarters and serve.