I give Lean Cuisine’s Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Panini a ten straight across the board for taste, texture, mutrition, cost, and calories.
1. Taste
This panini (which is a fancy term for a grilled or warmed sandwich) tastes like something I would order in one of those nice restaurants that have all kinds of breads and sandwiches and desserts and coffees. The three cheese blend is a wonderful idea giving this low fat panini an alfredo flavor. The cheeses hold together the white meat chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers on two slices of white Italian bread. It’s a feast fit for a king and his frugal, weight watching family or for the comtemporary family that will not sacrifice quality at the alter of busyness.
2. Texture
The texture of the panini is enhanced by a microwaveable baking/grilling sheet that comes in the box with the sandwich. It helps to brown and crisp the Italian bread while keeping it warm and soft. The sheet has openings in it to simulate the grill marks usually found on a restaurant or home-cooked panini. Mine didn’t make the marks but made the mark on texture so I didn’t miss anything important to the enjoyment of the sandwich.
3. Nutrition
With only 8 grams of fat and 280 calories, this food choice is reasonable considering the amounts of and kinds of foods included in one very satisfying panini. Zero trans fat and 5 grams of fiber help make it more nutritious. It is also low in added sugar and high in protein.
4. Cost
This Lean Cuisine panini was only three dollars and can be had for less by using coupons and shopping sales but, in my opinion, full price was not a waste. It also is easy to cook and does not use much energy because it takes only about three minutes to microwave.
5. Calories
Finding a satisfying sandwich for only 280 calories is now easy to do. It makes a fine lunch at home or to take to work for lunch. This panini is substantial enough to have for supper too. Just add a side of fries (baked as a bow to the low fat sandwich) or a side salad and your good for the night.
An additional benefit that occurred to me is how nice this food product would be as a gift for someone who is ill or grieving orjust had a baby. The ease of preparationand the good taste would be much appreciated I’m sure. I know I would be grateful. Homemade isn’t our only good option anymore.