Chocolate, Brie, and Basil Panini

Well, Giada and I went round and round in the kitchen these past six months, but I think that all in all, we made peace.  Things started off a bit rocky with the Sage & Lemon Chablis...and don't even get me started on that Egg Salad that should not have been (and should never be again).  But really that was the worst of it.  The Herbed Cheese Polenta and the Linguine w/ Chicken Ragú were both pretty good, actually...and the Little Stars w/ Butter & Parmesan were simple, quick, and fun.  We had a few other kitchen adventures that were pretty successful and maybe even one or two that weren't.  But my absolute favorites are the three things that I KNOW I will make again because I can actually say that I loved...even adored them...and just thinking about them makes my cheeks start to tingle.  My TOP 3 adventures in the kitchen with Giada over the last six months were (in no particular order): Gnocchi w/ Brown Butter & Thyme, Meatball Sub, and Cheddar Scallion Ciabatta.  For my arrivederci to Giada over at IHCC, I decided to make something that I had bookmarked from her since the very first we we started cooking with her, but hadn't gotten around to making yet.  I thought that I may never find the time to do it if I didn't do it now.  This is a seemingly odd combination...chocolate and brie together.  In a sandwich.  With basil, I might add.  Take a look at how it all worked out...

Chocolate, Brie, and Basil Panini

slightly adapted from Everyday Italian

makes 1 sandwich

2 slices sourdough or other crusty bread 

olive oil
2-3 oz. Brie cheese, thinly sliced (I prefer the higher amount)
1-2 oz. semisweet chocolate chips (I prefer the lesser amount)
few leaves Basil, thinly sliced 

Preheat a panini press (or a George Forman Grill or a pan w/ a press).

Drizzle a bit of olive oil on both sides of both slices of bread. Grill the bread slices until they begin to turn golden, ~1-2 minutes. Remove from the grill and place cheese on one slice of bread, top the cheese with chocolate chips and then add basil. Top with the other slice of bread.  Return sandwiches to the grill/press until the chocolate begins to melt, ~2 more minutes.

Serve.

So, which list do you think this panini made it onto?  Actually, the "good" list.  I would, however, cut back a bit on the suggested amount of chocolate...and add to the amount of cheese (which are reflected in the lower and higher amounts in the ingredients I listed, respectively).  I may not make it all that often, but I have a feeling a craving could creep up on me from time to time.  So, I'm happy that I finally tried this sandwich and I wish Giada a fond farewell!

And since this was our very last week...our very last day, actually...to cook with Giada over at IHCC... We're all set to get naked and join the revolution (starting tomorrow) with Jamie Oliver for the next six months. I hope you'll join us!