Ultimate Grilled Cheese and Ham Panini with Parsnip Fries

Directions

• Step 1

  If using bread loaf, carefully trim off and discard the top crust of the bread to make a flat surface, if necessary. Turn bread over; trim off and discard bottom crust, if necessary. Cut remaining bread loaf in half horizontally to form two 1/2-inch-thick slices.

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• Step 1

  Preheat an electric sandwich press, a covered indoor grill, a grill pan or a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes.

• Step 1

  If needed, snip any large pieces of chutney. Spread chutney on one side of each slice of bread. Place the Fontina cheese on half of the loaf or on 4 of the bread slices. Top with ham, pear, arugula, the Gouda cheese and the other half of bread loaf or remaining slices. Spread both sides of loaf or sandwiches evenly with butter or brush with oil. Cut loaf crosswise into four sandwiches.

• Step 1

  Place sandwiches (two at a time, if necessary) in the sandwich press or indoor grill. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until bread is toasted and cheese melts. (If using a grill pan or skillet, place sandwiches in pan. Weight sandwiches down with a heavy skillet or a pie plate containing a can of vegetables. Cook until bread is lightly toasted. Using hot pads, carefully remove top skillet. Turn sandwiches over, weight down, and cook until bread is toasted and cheese melts.) If you like, serve sandwiches with Parsnip Fries or potato chips. Makes 4 sandwiches.