Taleggio and Pear Panini

1 pound loaf ciabatta bread (or 8 slices country bread)

¼ cup olive oil

8 ounces Taleggio cheese or brie, sliced

2 large pears cored and cut into 1/4-inch wedges

2 tablespoons honey

Pinch salt

Pinch freshly ground black pepper

3 ounces arugula or spinach

Heat panini maker or stovetop grill pan.

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

In the meantime, divide the cheese among the warmed bread. Cover with fruit; drizzle fruit with honey. Season with salt and pepper; top with arugula. Place the warmed top halves of bread over the arugula and return sandwiches to panini machine for 1 to 2 minutes more to finish melting the cheese. Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

Serves four.

Cook's note: Apples or peaches could be substituted for the pear.