Grilled Banana and Nutella Panini

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Unilever.

I don't typically love breakfast time. In fact, most mornings I'm still half asleep as I fix the boys their usual breakfast of pancakes and/or eggs and fresh fruit. After all that work in the kitchen, a cup (or two) of coffee is usually all I need to get by.

Unless, that is, I'm fixing Grilled Banana and Nutella paninis for breakfast. "If you haven't tried Nutella, you haven't lived" may as well be one of my life's mottoes. Throw a banana in there and grill it between two thick slices of French bread until it's warm and gooey and I'll sit down for that breakfast any day. I may even share it with the boys as an extra special treat. 

Using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter soft spread in this recipe allows me the opportunity to choose healthy ingredients without having to sacrifice the sweet butter taste. After all, I can't Believe It's Not Butter has 70% less saturated fat and 30% fewer calories than butter but still the same great butter flavor. No hydrogenated oils or added cholesterol also means 0g of those dreaded trans fats! 

Now that's a treat I definitely don't mind sharing with my family! Want to see I Can't Believe It's Not Butter in action? Check out this short little video below. Look at how smooth and creamy it is and how easily it spreads onto the French bread. That's just one more reason that I love cooking with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!

Grilled Banana and Nutella Paninis courtesy of Bobby Flay

Yields 4 sandwiches

1 loaf French Bread sliced thick

2 bananas mashed in a bowl until smooth

1 banana sliced into rounds

Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut spread

8-10 tablespoons spread (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter)

While your press or grill is heating, grab your first two slices of French bread and begin by spreading a generous layer of Nutella on the top of each. 

Next, spread a thin layer of mashed banana on the top of one of your bread slices. Press your other slice of bread on top of that slice, Nutella side down, to create your first sandwich. 

Spread a generous layer of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter soft spread on the top of your sandwich before placing it spread-side-down onto your grill. If you're using a panini press, spread another generous layer of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter onto the top of your sandwich before pressing the grill lid down. 

If you are not using a press, be sure to apply your I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spread to the top of your sandwich before turning it over to grill the opposite side. 

Grill for several minutes until Nutella and banana create a warm, gooey center and perfect grill marks are achieved. 

Top with an additional spoonful of Nutella and sliced banana round before serving!

Looking for a creative twist on breakfast? Try this delicious recipe for Grilled Nutella and Banana paninis. I promise, you won't be disappointed and be sure to visit your local Walmart store where you can find a wide array of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and Country Crock spreads. 

Want to win a $50.00 Walmart gift card? 

Simply leave a comment below telling me 

how YOU kick the same ol' morning breakfast routine! 

Giveaway open until June 30th, 2013 and to US Residents 18 years and older.

Cooking your favorite recipes using Unilever buttery spreads is a deliciously smart move. With 0g trans fats per serving, less saturated fat and fewer calories than butter, cholesterol-free spreads are a better option.

Visit itsgoodtoknow.com for more information and recipe ideas now!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Unilever.