Bacon, Caesar, and Mozarella Panini's

I have been wanting to try paninis for a very long time... if you know me at all, you will know that this is because I like the sound of the word "Panini".  I saw this fun and easy recipe on Pillsbury and they were so fun ot make and delicious to eat, that I fell in love.  Have to admit though, the kids weren't such big fans... maybe if I threw out the tomatoes?  But it doesn't matter, every now and then moms should get to make something for dinner that they know they will enjoy and not worry about the picky kiddos!

BACON, CEASAR, & MOZZARELLA PANINI

From Pillsbury

INGREDIENTS

1can refrigerated classic pizza crust

4 teaspoons basil pesto (I don't even know what this is?  Needless to say, I sprinkled the sandwhiches with a little basil instead)

1/4 cup Caesar dressing (creamy or vinaigrette style)

8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 slices

1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

12 slices cooked bacon

2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, each cut into 4 slices

1/4 cup butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cookie sheet with No-Stick Cooking Spray. Unroll pizza crust dough on cookie sheet; press dough into 16x11-inch rectangle, pulling dough gently if necessary. Bake 9 to 16 minutes or until light brown. Cool about 15 minutes or until cool enough to handle.

2. Cut cooled pizza crust in half lengthwise and crosswise to make 4 rectangles. Remove rectangles from cookie sheet; cut each rectangle in half crosswise for a total of 8 squares.

3. On each of 4 crust slices, spread 1 teaspoon pesto; set aside. On each of remaining 4 slices, spread 1 tablespoon Caesar dressing. Place 2 cheese slices on each crust slice with Caesar dressing. Top cheese with pepper, 3 bacon slices, and 2 tomato slices. Top with remaining crust slices, pesto sides down.

4. Heat 12-inch skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in skillet. Place 2 sandwiches in skillet. Place smaller skillet or saucepan on sandwiches to flatten slightly; keep skillet on sandwiches while cooking. Cook 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until bread is golden brown and crisp and fillings are heated. Remove from skillet; cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and sandwiches.