December 13, 2012
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{9th Day of Christmas} – Calphalon 5-in-1 Grill and Panini Press

There are some appliances are always on the “want” list but never seem to find their way to the “have” list. Well I’m here to tell you that this Calphalon 5-in 0n1 is one that needs to make the switch from being on the “want” list to be on the “OMGERD I HAVE TO HAVE THIS” list.

The versatility of the Calphalon 5-in-1 grill alone is what should put this baby on the top of your list. In two days, I had used it three times and I’m pretty sure if I make any more paninis I’ll have to join a faction of Panini Lovers Anonymous. But it doesn’t just make great paninis. It makes so much more.

If paninis aren’t your speed, then open up the grill to make it a lay flat griddle. Just flip the non-stick grill plates to their smooth side and you can make french toast, sausage bites, eggs and oh so much more!

I wanted to start thinking ahead to New Years eve appetizer ideas and my first thought was paninis in bite size form so that everyone could partake in small little bites without having to commit to full size sandwiches. And the flavor combinations are endless. How about a Brie, Pear and Fig Panini for the sweet lovers? Or a Bacon Brussels Sprout and Cheese Panini for the bacon fiend in your family?

My favorite, and Ben’s too,  was the Cuban Panini with Black Forest ham, pulled pork and a sliced dill pickle in between. There were no words being spoken, just odd “Mmmm”, and “urhhh mahh gerdd” sounds.  And I loved that since the top plate sat on a hinge – it ensured the the grill rested ON TOP of the sandwich instead of squishing out all the ingredients from the back to the front of the panini. Brilliance in panini engineering.

Once we were done devouring all of the panini samples and French toast and Sausage bites, clean up was an absolute breeze. The grill plates are non-stick AND Dishwasher Safe! Mind. Blown!

Now you can cook everything up at once and back to the party at hand! No fuss, no muss cleaning or worrying about the rest of the party carrying on with out you! It’s a win win for everyone involved.

*GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

THE WINNER IS: GINA OF HIYA LUV!

 Thanks everyone for participating! And don’t forget there are two other giveaways going on now!!

Hershey’s Baking Bundle and Cuisinart Immersion Blender

Giveaway:

Calphalon understands the importance of quality, versatile products and wants to make your holiday a little brighter by giving away 1 (one) Calphalon 5-in-1 Grill and Panini Press! Make paninis or grilled burgers to your heart’s content, or open it up and use the griddle plates for a Saturday morning breakfast. The possibilities are endless.

To Enter: (mandatory)

Tell me what is your favorite panini?

Additional Entries: (optional)

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Print Recipe
Yield: 8

French Toast and Sausage Bites

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Total Time: 25 Minutes

A great New Years Day brunch idea using the Calphalon 5-in-1 Grill and Panini Press.

Ingredients:

French Toast Bites:
1 Loaf Challah, cut into large chunks
4 eggs
1/4 cup Milk
1 tbsp Cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
Dash Nutmeg
Dash Cloves

Sausage Bites
1 pound Breakfast Sausage, chilled in 1" balls

Directions:

Heat griddle to 350 degrees. Spray with non stick spray.

Place sausage bites onto griddle or pan and fry until cooked through and browned on the outside. Turn often to ensure they keep a round form. When cooked through, remove from griddle and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Cover to keep warm or place in 200 degree oven to keep warm.

For French toast, whisk together egg, milk, vanilla and spices. Dip each Challah chunk into the egg and coat evenly. Place on griddle and cook until golden brown. Using tongs, rotate and cook french toast on all sides. Remove from griddle and plate.

If serving for brunch, set both plates of french toast and sausage out with long toothpicks for guests to make their own bites. Have syrup handy for a quick pour over the top.

*Fine Print* Giveaway open to US Residents only. Sorry international friends! Giveaway will end on December 20th and a winner will be chosen at random. They will have  48 hours to respond or forfeit prize to another winner. I was furnished with a Calphalon 5-in-1 grill to test and all opinions are my own. I love this thing!