One of my favorite memories from Italy are the corner delis with sandwiches stacked several feet high behind the glass windows.  After I overcame the potential hygiene nightmare I gave into the pure bliss of daily Italian sandwiches on sliced baguettes bursting with tasty ingredients.  Devastated you are not there?  Do not fret yet, the best part is variations can be created très easily stateside and make for a quick weeknight dinner.  A trusty staple when it is my turn to make dinner (semi-willingly) is a delicious spin on a caprese salad.

{Slice tomatos, mozzarella, and basil.}

{I coated chicken breasts in olive oil, cumin, red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and black pepper then grilled them on the panini press.  Super fast, very easy.}

{Drizzle olive oil over baguette or batard halves, layer mozzarella on one half, and bake at 350° until the cheese is gooey and the bread is slightly browned.}

{Layer chicken, tomatos, and basil.  Top with the other half of baguette and escape to Italy!}

*And don’t forget the wine.