Cheddar With Smoked Ham Poached Pear And Mustard Food

SMOKED CHEDDAR & HAM PANINI

Steps:

• Cook onions until tender in a skillet prepared with non-stick cooking spray over medium-high heat.
• When onion is browned, add syrup, stirring well, and cook for an additional minute.
• Allow onion to cool. Spread 2 slices of bread with mayonnaise.
• Layer remaining ingredients on top, ending with the second slice of bread on each sandwich.
• Spray both sides of each sandwich with cooking spray before placing on panini grill or in skillet.
• If using panini grill, grill the sandwiches for about 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
• If using a skillet, cook sandwich over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side, flipping once, or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. Use a second skillet to weight down the sandwich on top.

CHEDDAR WITH SMOKED HAM, POACHED PEAR, AND MUSTARD

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, 2/3 cup water, star anise, peppercorns, cloves, peperoncino, and cinnamon stick, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the pears, bring back to a simmer, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until tender. Remove from the heat and cool in the liquid. Unless used right away, transfer the pears and juices to a container. (Keeps in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.)
• Preheat a sandwich press according to the manufacturer's specifications (see Note, page 96). Place 1 slice of cheese on each of 4 slices of bread. Top with the ham, followed by 4 to 6 slices of pear and the walnuts, if using. Season with pepper and top with the remaining cheese. Spread the mustard on the remaining slices of bread, close the sandwiches, and place in the sandwich press (no need to butter the press or the bread). Close the lid and apply slight pressure. Cook without disturbing for 5 to 8 minutes. Open the press and check for color and temperature: the cheese should be melted and the bread golden. If the bread is sticking to the press, allow it to cook for a bit longer and it will unstick itself. If the press seems to generate more heat on the bottom, flip the sandwich halfway through to ensure even cooking (making sure the ridges in the bread line up). Once cooked, remove, cut into halves, and serve.