Chocolate-Cheddar Panini with Spiked Orange Compote
For us, it’s Valentine’s month all through February; chocolate for breakfast or brunch is de rigueur. This Toasted English is quick enough for weekday breakfasts; and with the added liqueur, surprising and enticing enough for weekend brunch with good friends. Use only the highest quality deep dark mysterious chocolate. Usually I prepare a breakfast with best quality English Muffins, such as Wolferman’s, but if you have homemade multi-grain bread on hand, as shown here, that’s a great choice. Inspiration for this breakfast was the classic French children’s “goûter” of bread and chocolate. Sharp cheddar pressed with bits of dark chocolate is fantastic, especially with orange compote for dipping or spreading.
Ingredients
- Panini
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar, coarsely grated (not extra sharp)
- 1 to 1-1/2 ounces dark chocolatefinely chopped
- 4 slices excellent quality multigrain bread
- 4-6 teaspoons butter, preferably European-style, melted
- Fresh Orange Compote
- 1/2 cup Bonne Maman Marmalade Preserves
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or Cointreau, optional
- Scant 1/4 cup orange sections, diced
- 1 tablespoon golden raisins, plumped in 1/2 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions
- Combine cheese and chocolate. Wrap tightly in plastic film and flatten into a rectangle. Stir marmalade, orange juice, Grand Marnier, if using; orange sections and drained raisins in a small saucepan. Heat until warm and totally combined. Divide chocolate cheddar on 2 slices bread. Cover and brush with melted butter. Brush panani or sandwich press with butter. Cook until cheese and chocolate begin to melt and panini is nicely browned. Serve hot with Orange Compote alongside.
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