Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella Basil and Pesto Panini Recipe

Tired of eating the same boring sandwich for lunch every day? Try Honda of El Cerrito's tasty recipe for our Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and Pesto Panini. For a truly Mediterranean feel, try serving it with a salad of fresh tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives, and arugula.

Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and Pesto Panini

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 3 to 5 minutes

Serves one

Ingredients

2 1-inch thick slices of bread
1 large tomato
2 tablespoons of your favorite pesto
3 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped basil leaves plus extra for garnish
Salt and black pepper

Directions

Sandwich presses are all different, and it may be necessary to preheat yours, prior to starting to assemble your panini.

Begin by spreading the pesto on your bread. You may not require the full two tablespoons but ensure each slice of bread is spread evenly, on one side only.

Slice your tomato as thinly as possible and lay it on the bottom slice of bread. Overlap the slices, each one covering about half of its predecessor, to ensure a thick and even distribution of flavor and texture.

It is important to use buffalo mozzarella or another type of fresh mozzarella that is soft and sold in brine. Slice the mozzarella finely and either lay it on top of the tomato, or intersperse slices of tomato and mozzarella for what the best effect--overlapping three quarters of the way over each previous slice. Season at this stage with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Scatter the basil over the tomato and mozzarella before placing the top on your panini and lightly pressing down. Place your panini in your sandwich press and cook for three to five minutes, as per your preference.

When your panini is done, remove it from the sandwich press to a plate. Scatter a little more fresh basil over the top as a garnish and serve hot with your chosen salad or other accompaniment.

What are Some Tips to Get Better Gas Mileage?

Meet Mel Santiago, a Journeyman Service Advisor here at Honda of El Cerrito. Mel hails from Richmond, California, and has been working with us for the past 12 years.

When it comes to working at Honda of El Cerrito, Mel loves the fact that he is able to work in a family-type environment; Mel works alongside his brother, Benito, and the two work hard to provide every client with an exceptional service experience.

When he isn't working, Mel enjoys camping, BBQs with friends and family, and watching the 49ers win games!

As gas prices continue to rise, we asked Mel for tips on getting the most gas mileage out of any vehicle.

Take it away, Mel!

1. Be sure that you are using the correct size tire for your vehicle. If you aren't sure, check the decal that's placed in the driver door jamb. The vehicle manufacturer will have posted the correct tire size and air pressure settings on this decal.

2. Once you have set your tire pressure to the manufacture specifications, be sure to check the tire pressure regularly.

3. Perform oil and filter services at the manufacture-recommended intervals and be sure to use a proper weight oil. If you aren't sure, check your owner's manual.

4. Inspect your vehicle's air filter at every oil change and replace it when necessary.

5. And, of course, schedule your service appointments at Honda of El Cerrito for all your service needs! Our service professionals will take care of your vehicle to maintain its peak performance and fuel economy.

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What is Honda Certified?

Honda has one of the most extensive used-car warranties in the business which means that every Honda Certified Used Car that you purchase from us at Honda of El Cerrito comes with peace of mind. The Honda Certified Used Car warranty covers major engine and transmission components, and Honda will repair or replace any covered part that is defective in material or workmanship under normal use.

The warranty has a $0 deductible and covers your engine, drive system, and transmission for seven years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). Your steering, suspension, electrical system, air conditioning, heating and cooling, fuel system, and many more systems are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles.

So why should you choose a Honda Certified Used Car from us? To be a Certified Used car, the vehicle must be well maintained, be less than six years old, and have a maximum of 80,000 miles. The certification process includes an exhaustive 150-point mechanical and appearance inspection, up-to-date scheduled maintenance services, and an inspection by service technicians of all major vehicle systems. Visit us today or browse the Honda of El Cerrito Honda Certified Used Car Inventory to find the car that’s right for you!

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Make the Most of the Last Days of Summer!

As summer winds to an end and thoughts turn to back-to-school plans, make the time to squeeze in a few more sun-drenched memories. It’s a great time to catch up with family and friends, and exchange summer vacation stories. Plus, it will be easier to transition to the school season if you feel like you’ve made the most of the last days of summer vacation.

Before summer ends, take the time to try out a few of these seasonal activities:

1.       Have friends over for a barbecue. — Nothing says summer like a late afternoon barbecue with family and friends. To save on costs, make the side dishes and ask everyone to bring their own hamburgers and hot dogs to throw on the grill. Be sure to stock up on s’mores supplies for dessert!

2.       Go to an outdoor concert or performance.  El Cerrito, San Francisco, and the rest of the Bay Area have lots of outdoor performing arts venues and summer theatres, and some even have free summer concert series! Take in one last show under the stars before summer ends.

3.       Lounge by the pool or at the beach. Whether you spent most of the summer poolside, or only managed sporadic trips, one last day at the pool or beach is a great way to relax. Set aside a good part of the day and enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget the sunscreen!

 

We at Honda of El Cerrito hope you make the most of these last days of summer!

 

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Three Great Service Specials for August!

At Honda of El Cerrito, we work hard to ensure that you get the best deals year round, but we love to give you discounts to make these deals even sweeter. This month we have 3 great deals for all of your service needs!

• Come in for $10 off a Lube, Oil and Filter Change. For only $29.95, you will get up to 5 quarts of oil (additional charge for synthetic oil, hybrids not included) and a courtesy car wash. We will also provide a free multi-point inspection, top off your under-hood fluids, and reset your tire PSI.


• Summer is still going strong so be sure to take advantage of our “Beat the Heat A/C Service Special.” For only $149.95 (normally $179.95), we will get your air conditioning running in peak condition. This deal includes 2 pounds of Freon.


• With our Fluid Exchange Special, the more you buy the more you save! With this deal you will receive 5% off any single service, 10% off any 2 services, and 15% off any three combined services. Services include Brake, Power Steering, Coolant, and Transmission Fluid replacements.

 

All of these deals expire August 31^st, 2011. Be sure to print the coupons from the Honda of El Cerrito Newsletter website to receive these discounts!

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