As a kid, my mom used to tell me stories about big Italian Sunday Suppers with her father’s family – giant pots of red sauce simmering all day, fresh pastas, breaded chicken cutlets, and crusty bread. Sadly [for me], I have never experienced the big Italian feasts my mom did as a girl, but my grandmother used to make day long sauces (p.s. always better the next day!) that we would frequently enjoy over chicken parmesan.
My grandmother wasn’t the biggest ‘chef’ you would meet, but her sauces bring such wonderful, comforting memories to me. My grandma also had her quirks (makes for better stories, right?) but had a good heart, and would volunteer for the Meals on Wheels in her neighborhood; delivering meals to seniors in need. Nowadays, I try and make my grandmother’s sauce with a few of my own favorite ingredients; including a good red wine. Gallo Family’s Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for this sauce. Its blackberry and black currant components are balanced by just a hint of oak for a smoothness that really brings grandma’s sauce to the next level.
When I’m done making my sauce, I can upload a photo of my Gallo Family cork online to Every Cork Counts, where, for every cork received (either by mail, or electronically), Gallo Family Vineyards will donate $1 to the Meals On Wheels Association of America (up to $50,000) from now until December 31, 2014. So not only do I get to honor my grandmother with my own version of her sauce, but I can help contribute to her favorite charity. 
I like to make a big batch to freeze. That way, when I am craving something comforting, I have a bit readily on hand, at any given time. I especially love to add this sauce to a good, crusty, baguette with shredded chicken to make a perfectly, pressed chicken parmesan panini – it’s the best of both worlds! A classic red sauce, turned into a sandwich, which just happens to be my second favorite comfort food (yes, all the sandwiches are my fave. thankyouverymuch). A chilled glass of Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio goes wonderfully with this panini; pairing well with poultry, and acidic foods, like tomatoes. A toasty, saucy, parmesan panini with a glass of wine? If that doesn’t scream comfort, than I just can’t help you, my friend. You can save a dollar on your next bottle of Gallo Family wine online, here (if you’re unsure if Gallo Family wines are in your area, locate them here!).
Make sure to visit Gallo Family Vineyards everywhere: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
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What is your ultimate comfort meal? Don’t forget to snag more comforting recipes below!
Comforting Appetizers and Beverages:
- Acorn Squash Cheese Spread with Spinach and Artichokes by Ruffles & Truffles
- Pomegranate Mulled Wine by The Messy Baker
Comforting Entrees, Soups, and Stews:
- Beef and Mushroom Pot Pie by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Beef Goulash by Magnolia Days
- Beef Stew with Puff Pastry by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Cheesy French Onion Soup by Life Tastes Good
- Chicken and Corn Chowder by The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken Parmesan Panini by Casa de Crews
- Classic Swiss Fondue by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Johnny Marzetti by NeighborFood
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Flatbread by Family Foodie
- White Wine Cream Sauce Poached Shrimp by A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
Comforting Side Dishes:
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Parmesan and Dates by Shockingly Delicious
- Stuffed Acorn Squash by Jelly Toast
Comforting Brunch, Desserts, and Sweets:
- Baked Pumpkin French Toast by Alida’s Kitchen
- Cheesecake Bites with Red Wine Chocolate Sauce by Momma’s Meals
- Dark Chocolate Red Wine Cake with Red Wine Raspberry Sauce by Daily Dish Recipes
- Gooey Autumn Spice Brownie Cups by Desserts Required
- Pear Streusel Coffee Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement. **Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.**
pinning and stumbling! love this! and great pics!
Thanks, Jennifer! xoxo
Chicken parm is one of my fave sandwiches. I never thought about making a panini out of it! YUM!!
Chicken parm is one of my f ave sandwiches. I never thought about making a panini out of it! YUM!!
this looks like a fabulous lunch, and pasta made with some excellent wine is always a bonus! 🙂
Yuuuuuummmmmm! Yes, please!
This looks absolutely amazing! We are having grinders for dinner tonight, but now I really want to make them into paninis! I think that was the one mistake on our wedding registry… no panini press!!!
Hahaha, yes! I love our panini press, but prior to buying one I used the George Foreman 🙂
Your sauce AND your sammich look fantastic!
Thanks, Dorothy!
YUM!!!!! my hubby would love this!
Love that you used shredded chicken versus fried. Sounds amazing! And my grandma was quirky too!
Yea, I love the standard chicken parm (breaded), but I didn’t want a heavy sandwich!
I love that you have turned family memories into a dreamy comfort food for everyone to share. It’s kind of like a giant Italian family gathering…even though we are in different kitchens!
I love that you said that, Betsy! A giant, virtual Family Sunday Supper? So true!
My mouth is watering!! YUM, this looks sooo good! Don’t grandmothers make the best food?! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to make banana bread quite the same way mine does 🙂
This needs to get in my face! Yum! I love Pinot so it sounds like a good pairing!
Well this is just mouth watering good!! Thanks for sharing this – I need a panini in my future soon!
I use my waffle iron to make “panini” this will taste great for lunch!
A chicken parm sandwich sounds seriously amazing. I would be doing lots of dunking!
I saw this on IG and immediately wanted it haha.
I’m so hungry right now and this looks so good! Wish I had it for dinner 🙂
I may have had a leftover for breakfast, Marion 🙂
Chicken parm AND a sandwich?! Two great comfort foods in one!
You can never go wrong, Shaina! I know you’re a vegetarian but I bet an Eggplant Parm Panini would be just as good. Actually, I think I need to make one now!
Chicken parmesan is my all-time favorite. Love this panini.
Thanks, Jenny!
This is such a great idea! I’ve pretty much made everything into a panini before but not Chicken Parm! Brilliant!
I feel like I should start a separate blog dedicated to all things panini. Or all sandwiches, since I love em’ all!
Fantastic! I need to attempt a homemade sauce. A sandwich may just be the motivation that I need.
This sauce is so easy, my friend! Do ittttt (and invite me over for anything you’re making with it!)
Oh yum. I love chicken parmesan sandwiches and a a panini is just brilliant. I also make a mean sawce. 😉
Hahaha, “sawce”! Yes!
This is such a fun idea. My kids will love this panini!!
I hope so, Isabel! I think it’s a good post football meal for them 🙂
Oh my gosh! I love sandwiches and chicken parm. What a great idea!
Thanks, Jennifer!
Ohhh homemade sauce…how I love it! Yours looks ridiculously amazing, and that sandwich looks crunchy, melty, and perfect!!!
Thanks, Katie! Yes, crunchy, and melty always make for a good ANYthing 🙂
Oooh, your panini looks outrageously delicious! And your grandmother sounds like terrific role model, quirks and all 🙂
She really was! Thanks, Liz 🙂
What great memories of your grandmother and her sauce too. It certainly is a wonderful thing to share with friends, family, and those in need.
It is always a hit when I make it for friends, and family!