Stuffed Pork, Cheddar and Apple Panini

8 boneless pork loin chops, cut 1/4-inch thick and trimmed (10 to 12
ounces total)
4 tablespoons apricot preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
Nonstick cooking spray
8 slices country wheat bread, 1/2-inch thick
3 tablespoons margarine, softened
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced 1/8 inch thick
4 ounces reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (made with 2% milk/fat
free), thinly sliced



In a small bowl, combine apricot preserves and mustard. Set aside.

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, cook
pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes or until internal temperature of pork
reaches 155 degrees F., turning pork chops over halfway through
cooking. Remove from pan and set aside.

Drain pan of juices and scrape bits from bottom of pan with metal
spatula. Wipe pan dry with paper towels..

To assemble sandwiches, spread one side of each slice of bread with
about 1 teaspoon margarine. Place bread slices, buttered sides down on
clean cutting board. Spread unbuttered sides with apricot-mustard
mixture. On half of the bread slices, layer pork, apple and cheese.
Place remaining bread slices on top, buttered sides up, to form
sandwiches.

Meanwhile, preheat skillet over medium heat. Place the 2 sandwiches in
skillet without a Panini press. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or
until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. Repeat cooking remaining 2 sandwiches.

*To cook sandwiches using an electric Panini grill, preheat grill
according to manufacturer’ s directions. Place sandwich(s) on grill;
lower top of grill and grill for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted
and bread is toasted.

Recipe courtesy of Liz Ward, MS, RD