Roasted Vegetable Panini: Backyard Picnic & Park

What better way to spend a Saturday then hosting some family. My in laws including mother in -law, father in-law, sister in law and 2 little nephews decided to come visit the new house. I decided that an outdoor luncheon and an outing to the park would be a fun heathy and active way to spend the day.

Because I did not want to spend the entire visit preparing food I decided on a simple and healthy menu that could be prepared the evening before. I have mentioned before how much I love roasted vegetable panini's and could not resist trying to hook my guests onto them. I served them with spinach and mango salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.

The night before I cut up an eggplant, portabello mushrooms, red onion, red pepper and zuchinni into 1/2" slices. I placed them in a roasting pan and drizzled them with balsamic vinegar, pepper, olive oil and garlic. Then roasted them at 400F for 25minutes.

Meanwhile I cut 4 paninis and spread homemade pesto on one side and creamy goat cheese on the other.

Once the veggies are done pat the veggies dry and layer them onto the paninis. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and refridgerate overnight.

When visitors arrived all I had to do was preheat the oven to 350F and bake the paninis for 25 minutes until warm and crispy.

Cut up into 3's so guests can eat the portion of their choice.

The paninis' were served with a spinach and mango salad with balsamic or poppy seed dressing.

In addition to having the menu prepared, I placed a large bucket cooler out on the patio making it easy for guests to grab the beverage of their choice - white wine, champagne, soda, water, juice.

Once our belly's were full it was off to the park!