When your children are little, you don't mind smearing the peanut butter and jelly on a piece of bread. It's part of the maternal joy to see them so excited and so easily pleased when they take a bite into that nutty, chewy, gooey bundle of happiness.

Now that both of my kids are in their twenties, they still beg and plead for mom to make them a sandwich. When I wonder why on earth they can't put it together themselves, they tell me that "food always tastes better when you make it! You know what? I believe them!

Although their tastes have matured from the pb&j to a more sophisticate panini palate, I admit - I give in. Grilled sandwiches are their favorite, and I love them, so I like to spoil them (a little). I generally experiment with different breads, meats, cheeses and vegetables, all in a variety of combinations. They all taste great - and I get kudos, hugs and kisses from my kids!

Mom's Mix & Match Suggestions for Grilled Sandwiches When You Don't Have a Panini Press:

• Start with wonderful bread: ciabatta, kaiser roll, grinder or hoagie roll, whole wheat.
• On each half, drizzle a little olive oil and vinegar
• Put bread wet side down on a pre-heated grill pan

While the bread is toasting, mix & match your sandwich ingredients:

• Deli meats: salami, ham, turkey, roast beef, mortadella, proscutto
• Vegetables: tomato, grilled red onion, sundried tomatoes, grilled red bell pepper, capers, spinach leaves, arugula, warmed wilted romaine
• Cheeses: muenster, provolone, jarlsberg, swiss, jack, chedder, american
• Even adding a fried egg to the mix is great

Put a slice of cheese on the bottom side bread, layer it with vegetables, a little salt and pepper, meat, cheese, top off with the other bread half. While the assembled sandwich is still on the grill pan, press it down with a spatula for about 10 seconds (depending how hot your pan is). Turn the sandwich over and repeat.