Brie, Ham and Pear Panini

YIELD: 2 SANDWICHES

4 slices sourdough, whole wheat or white bread
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 oz. thinly sliced ham
1 firm but ripe pear, peeled, halved lengthwise, cored and each half cut lengthwise into 3 thick slices
freshly ground black pepper
2 oz. Brie cheese, thinly sliced
2 Tbsps. butter, softened

1. Preheat panini press, grill pan or griddle to medium-high heat. Place 2 slices of bread on work surface and spread half the mustard on each slice. Divide the ham between the 2 sandwiches and arrange on top. Add 3 slices of pear to each sandwich and grind a bit of pepper over the pear slices. Top the pears with slices of cheese. Place a slice of bread on top and butter the top slices of bread with half the butter.
If using a panini press, butter both sides of the bread before grilling.

2. Place the sandwiches in panini press and close the lid. Grill until nicely browned on both sides.

3. For a grill or griddle, place the sandwiches buttered side down on hot grill or griddle. Butter top side of sandwiches. Grill until nicely browned on one side and then flip and grill the other side. Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Photo and recipe: Pear Bureau Northwest