One of our favorite restaurants in town, 33^rd Street Bistro, has been around since 1995. Let’s say that again: 1995. It’s been open and thriving for almost 20 years. It’s unusual for restaurants to sustain that kind of longevity, but 33^rd Street Bistro has – and we have almost 20 years of memories there with our family and friends (Judy’s first date with her husband is a big oneJ).

Since we can’t eat there all the time, we have recreated one of our favorite sandwiches in our kitchen. Our Chicken Panini with Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onions is super easy to make and fills that void when we can’t get to the restaurant.

Caramelize the onions

Combine all filling ingredients

Toast over medium heat until filling is warm and cheese melts.

Chicken Panini with Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onions

• 2 TBS olive oil (plus some for coating focaccia)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 12 oz (about 2 cups) cooked shredded chicken
• 1/3 cup mango or peach jam
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 6 oz smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Focaccia Bread

Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and saute, stirring frequently until onion becomes golden brown – about 15 minutes. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, jam. mayonnaise, and caramelized onions, stirring to combine well. Stir in the cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

Lightly coat top and bottom of focaccia slab with olive oil. Using a bread knife, portion focaccia into four pieces and cut each piece horizontally in half. Divide chicken mixture evenly among bottom pieces of focaccia and top each with corresponding piece. Heat large skillet (preferably with lid) over medium heat. Depending on size of your skillet, place as many panini as will comfortably fit and cover with lid or large plate. Cook about 5 minutes per side, keeping skillet covered to help the cheese melt. Remove from skillet and keep warm in a 200 degree oven while you finish cooking any remaining panini that did not fit in the skillet the first time around. Cut each in half and serve.

Makes 4 panini