• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Good Grief Cook
  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • Privacy Policy 2023
  • Recipe Index
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

The Best Grief Inspired Italian Sandwich

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
fresh pesto, mozzarella, proscuitto and roasted red peppers
fresh mozzarella, proscuitto and roasted red peppers

The Best Grief Inspired Italian Sandwich

It’s been 4 years, 4 months and 14 days since William died. I have grown leaps and bounds through this grief experience, but surprisingly still learning how to deal. I must be a slow study or maybe, just maybe, this is typical of the grief process when one loses a bright light in their life.

goodness knows what he was about to do to his sister
goodness knows what he was about to do to his sister

At this stage, most days are typically filled with happy thoughts of William. The boy was a crack-up in most situations and filled with fun surprises. He was a double-dog dare me kind of guy who constantly kept us entertained with his antics. Swallow a live fish? Sure, no problem. Jump into an ice covered lake? He wouldn’t think twice. Dress in camo, soldier crawl the lawn and crash a neighbor’s party hiding under their deck? All in a day of the life of William. These memories just make me smile or sometimes laugh out loud. I am so grateful to have them.

the annual plunge into a frozen Lake Quassapaug
the annual plunge into a frozen Lake Quassapaug

On the other hand, this summer brought some surprisingly dark days that I did not quite understand. After watching a wedding video of a mother-son dance I was a complete mess. What the hell? I did not even know these people, yet watching that groom smile into his mother’s eyes I knew I wanted some of that and could not have it. And then there are those college graduations. Those are the memories with William that I want so bad, but never will have. I only, this week, recognized that those are my triggers. It’s what I did not get to have with William rather than what I did have that causes me grief.

don't even want to know what he lit on fire
don’t even want to know what he lit on fire

It’s just sad until I remember that I did have a dance with him the night before he graduated high school. I am holding on tight to the night he agreed to hold my hand while I twirled around him. The poor guy was on crutches at the time, but that didn’t stop him from smiling into my eyes and giving his mama this beautiful memory.

Oh, happy day his high school diploma in hand
Oh, happy day his high school diploma in hand
Italian sandwich ingredients

The way one layers a sandwich is a personal matter. I leave it up to you to play with these ingredients and add or subtract as much meat, cheese, pesto and peppers as you like. Make your own perfect and inspired sandwich creation. When it comes from your heart it is guaranteed delicious. This was one of Will’s favorites.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Aventura Special Sandwich


  • Author: Lisa Keys
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: serves 2
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Avventura Special Sandwich

1 small clove garlic

3/4 cup packed basil leaves

¼ cup fresh celery leaves

2 tablespoons walnut oil

1-teaspoon fresh lemon juice

¼ cup toasted walnuts

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

2 ciabatta rolls, split

1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced

6 slices prosciutto

1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, sliced

2 teaspoons hickory smoked balsamic vinegar or plain balsamic syrup

shredded fresh basil


Instructions

  1. With food processor running drop garlic through feed tube and process until finely minced. Add basil, celery leaves and oil; pulse until combined. Add lemon juice, walnuts, parmesan, sugar and salt; blend until smooth scraping down sides of bowl, if needed.
  2. Spread generous amount of pesto evenly on bottom half of each roll.
  3. On top of the pesto evenly layer desired amount of the mozzarella, prosciutto and peppers.
  4. Drizzle peppers with balsamic, sprinkle with some shredded basil and cover sandwich with roll top.
  5. Gently press sandwich together.
  6. Grill sandwich in a lightly greased Panini maker or on a griddle, pressing with a weight, for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: sandwich

Keywords: lunch, Italian, panini, market style, pesto

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag me @goodgriefcook — I can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Genovese Basil: gotta love my garden
Genovese Basil: gotta love my garden

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Louis Matino

    August 30, 2015 at 8:28 am

    I never saw that picture at the frozen lake. What a nut, lol!

    You can’t lose with that sandwich.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 9:10 am

      He was hilarious and always took a few prisoners with him. He could talk most people into doing anything. You will love the sandwich.

      Reply
  2. Elaine Barbee

    August 30, 2015 at 8:45 am

    Beautiful story from one with a beautiful heart.
    Love the sandwich!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 9:25 am

      Thank you, Elaine for stopping by and sharing your thoughts today. I appreciate your kind comments.

      Reply
  3. Cathy

    August 30, 2015 at 8:50 am

    In all aspects of your life, I will always cheer for you to Rock On!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 9:11 am

      Thanks, Cathy–you have always been a most wonderful and loving supporter. So happy Bev brought us together

      Reply
      • Cathy

        August 30, 2015 at 10:27 am

        Peace and Hope…

  4. savourytable

    August 30, 2015 at 9:03 am

    I love reading your memories. This looks like a wonderful sandwich. Enjoy WFC. The Saucy Mama crew is wonderful.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 9:12 am

      Thanks, Karen. I hope I will see you there, too?

      Reply
  5. Krista

    August 30, 2015 at 9:07 am

    After a sleepless night contemplating the beginning of another school year without Aidan, this post was in my inbox this morning. Right now the “what should have beens” overshadow the amazing things that we shared. Thank you again for sharing your story.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 9:22 am

      You are following a similar path to mine. I know where you are and where you will go. It’s never going to be easy, but keep celebrating Aidan and I think you will find just a little bit of peace….but I won’t lie–it’s never going to be over for us <3—we loved them to much and we loved being their mom

      Reply
  6. jerseygirlcooks

    August 30, 2015 at 9:42 am

    I admire how you can get through your grief with happy memories and thoughts of William. Every time I read one of your childhood stories of him it reminds me to cherish every moment with my kids. Great sandwich! You are going to do great at the World Food Championships!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 10:00 am

      You are one of the best moms I know. You light up when you speak of your children; it just comes naturally, so I will simply remind you of that and thanks for your encouraging comments.

      Reply
  7. patrice

    August 30, 2015 at 9:50 am

    The sandwich looks mouthwatering … always love your inspiration connections 🙂

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 10:03 am

      thanks, Patrice, for reading and enjoying

      Reply
  8. Liz Widman

    August 30, 2015 at 11:51 am

    Lisa- another inspired recipe from your kitchen! I have always admired your strength and grace. Best to you-

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 11:54 am

      Thank you, Liz. It’s wonderful to know that you are here reading.

      Reply
  9. Retracing Our Footsteps

    August 30, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Thanks for sharing such intimate, beautiful and strengthening thoughts, Lisa.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 12:53 pm

      you are very welcome, my friend

      Reply
  10. patcook1

    August 30, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    The sandwich sounds delicious and so is the wonderful story behind it. God Bless You, Lisa. <3

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 1:22 pm

      Thank you, Pat. Blessing to you, too. <3

      Reply
  11. [email protected]

    August 30, 2015 at 5:13 pm

    I enjoy reading about Will and the special times you shared together. I wonder whether he inherited his playfulness from mom , dad or both of you? I can’t wait to see you at WFC in a few months!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      August 30, 2015 at 8:22 pm

      I think most of his mischief came from his dad…I only recently became a bit daring. Can’t wait to hang out with you in our Florid palace

      Reply
  12. Ronna F

    August 30, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Your blog posts always move me, Lisa. This is another awesome creation that William has inspired and it will be a great entry at the WFC! I’m still hoping to go, and I’m still trying, but I haven’t qualified yet. We’ll see if it happens! I wish you the very best!

    Reply
  13. Lisa

    August 30, 2015 at 8:20 pm

    I am rooting for you to come to WFC. Thanks for your support here and at all our fun cookoffs

    Reply
  14. Find My Rice

    September 2, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    Beautiful story. Can feel the love you have for your son through this awesome sandwich. Keep on keeping on Lisa! 🙂 – R

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Lisa! Welcome to Good Grief Cook.

Popular

  • Easy Blueberry Crumble Cannoli French Toast
  • Easy Smoked Salmon Appetizer How To
  • Gingerbread Chocolate Bark The Best Hack
  • How a Teen Celebrates a Hero

Footer

back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright 2021 Good Grief Cook