Taleggio and Pear Panini

Food Network, Giada de Laurentiis

Makes 4 servings

    1 loaf ciabatta or 8 slices thick bread                        
    1/4 cup olive oil                                              
    8 ounces taleggio cheese or brie, sliced                       
    2 pears (apples, or peaches) core, 1/4-in wedge                
    2 tablespoons honey                                            
    Salt and pepper                                                
    3 ounces arugula or spinach    
                                
Prep time: 10 min/Cook time: 10 min.

Preheat the panini machine. Cut the ciabatta loaf into 4 equal pieces. Halve each piece horizontally to make 4 sandwiches. Brush the bread on both sides with olive oil and place the bottom-half of the bread slices in the panini machine in a single layer. Heat until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. Continue with the remaining top slices of bread.

While the top slices of the bread are in the Panini machine, begin forming the sandwiches. Divide the cheese among the warm bread. Cover the cheese with slices of fruit. Drizzle the fruit with honey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with a handful of arugula. Place the warmed top half of the bread over the arugula and return the competed sandwich to the panini machine for 1 to 2 minutes more to finish melting the cheese. Remove from the panini machine. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

MY NOTE: I used pear and camembert and it was really tasty. I didn't panini these since it was a picnic, but that made the ciabatta rather dry. Next time either panini it or use a moister bread, like focaccio. For a real panini, use something like French bread.

MXF