My daughter wants and expects to one day not live with us. She has been through a supported internship program and now has a paid job, so she sees the next obvious step to be living in a place of her own.

We fully support her in this aim, but we also realize that to prepare her for when this happens we need to support her in developing all those Daily Living skills she will need, not least an ability to feed herself, so she is prepared for more independent living and the responsibilities it brings.  

This Prosciutto and Mozzarella Panini is an easy and quick lunch she often makes for herself. It is cooked in the air fryer rather than a panini press, in part because we don’t own a panini press but also because we want to limit the number of appliances she needs to learn to use.

This recipe is a good introduction to using the air fryer, so it’s worth seeing if your young person might like to try this recipe.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1                                  Panini

2 Slices                       Mozzarella Cheese

1 Slice                         Prosciutto

                

Per Serve: 363 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 968mg sodium, 49g carbohydrates (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.

Method

1. Slice the panini in half.
2. Place one slice of cheese on the bottom of the panini
3. Place the prosciutto on top of the cheese.
4. Place a second slice of cheese top of the prosciutto.
5. Put top half of the panini on top.
6. Place in air fryer, and cook on bake mode for 7 minutes (160C/320F).

Watch this YouTube video where I show you the method my daughter uses.

Other Suggestions

7 minutes on bake mode is what my daughter uses. But if you want the cheese more melted you could make 8 minutes.

Like all recipes, this is one can be adapted to suit individual tastes, maybe with more prosciutto and less cheese. Perhaps a slice of tomato (my favorite 😊).

Summary

Our young people need to learn how to prepare all types of meals, not just dinners. If our children can make tasty and quick lunches, they not only develop confidence in their cooking skills but they can also save money as well.

I’d love to hear your feedback on how your young person found making this recipe.

I’m the father of a daughter with additional needs. I understand how the journey can be tough, frustrating, and lonely. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a future where they are secure, have self-dignity, have purpose in their lives, and have a community around them. I learned a lot from our journey, and that’s why I wrote, What’s Possible? Plan a better future for your young adult with additional needs. It shows you how to start making a life plan with your child.