Super Bowl Media Noche Hot Cuban Sandwich

Layers of Manchego cheese with Serrano ham and sundried tomatoes on thick slices of Cuban bread.

Ingredients:

• 8 1/2 inch thick Cuban bread slices
• 3 cups shredded Manchego cheese, divided
• 3 oz thinly sliced Serrano or Prosciutto Ham
• Spanish Roasted Pepper and Tomato Topping:
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked Spanish paprika
• 4 tbsp Spanish extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp crushed garlic
• 1 cups roasted red pepper strips
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
• 3 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions:

Topping: Whisk together all topping ingredients with pepper strips, sun-dried tomatoes and cilantro leaves added last. Reserve 2 tbsp olive oil for later. Sandwiches: Sprinkle 4 slices Cuban bread with half of cheese. Top with mixture of 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, smoked Spanish paprika, tomato topping and ham. Add remaining cheese as another layer, then top with second piece of Cuban bread and press together. Brush sandwiches with remaining olive oil, heat in a panini press or on a hot grill, topping sandwich with a heavy brick or weight. Heat sandwich until lightly browned on both sides and cheese is melted.

Number of Servings: 4

Notes from the Cook: Many Cuban restaurants in Miami change the fillings in their Medianoches to please their customers with different fillings. A very popular item in south Florida at sporting events --at home or on the field.