An old standby of the American lunch has always been the sandwich, but cold cuts and lettuce can only go so far before boredom breaks out. Enter the panini. This hot, pressed sandwich greatly enhances anyone’s lunch repertoire.

Anyone who can take the initiative to boil a pot of water and add ramen can make a decent panini. Simply make your choice of sandwich. In this example I use deli turkey, colby jack cheese, tomato and onion, but there are many other options to be explored. Personally, I only believe chicken should be eaten on a hot sandwich. Throw on some mozzarella pesto, drizzle some olive oil and you have a delicious meal. Even without meat, a caprese sandwich with mozzarella, tomato and basil pressed into a panini can always impress.

A decent panini press can be purchased for about $30. The benefits that come from this investment: priceless. The panini press makes for a great cooking aid for college students because even with a lack of culinary skills and equipment, a high-quality lunch can be made in 10 minutes. 

Ingredients:

-Choice of bread

-Deli turkey

-Colby jack cheese

-Tomato

-Onion

-Spicy brown mustard

-Olive oil

1. Spread out ingredients

2. Add meat, then cheese on top of sandwich

3. Add veggies and any condiments or spreads

4. Close sandwich and drizzle with olive oil

5. Press until golden brown