Recipe: Ham and Gorgonzola Panini (using focaccia)

HAM AND GORGONZOLA PANINI

1/3 pound creamy Gorgonzola cheese or creamy cheese of choice, at room temperature
1 1/2 tablespoons heavy (whipping) cream
1 (roughly 8-inch) square focaccia loaf, about 1 1/2 inches thick
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided use
1/4 pound thinly sliced ham (sliced at deli counter)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In small bowl, stir together cheese and cream to make spreadable paste; set aside.

Cut focaccia in half horizontally, yielding 2 pieces each about 3/4 inch thick. Place focaccia pieces, cut side up, on flat work surface. Drizzle 1 piece with half of olive oil, spread with cheese mixture and top with ham.

Drizzle cut side of other focaccia piece with remaining oil and place it, oil side down, on top of ham. Using hands, gently press down on top.

Wrap sandwich tightly in aluminum foil, place in oven and bake until cheese melts, about 20 minutes.

Remove sandwich from oven, unwrap and cut into 4 strips, each about 2 inches wide. Cut the strips crosswise into 1-inch or 2-inch pieces, as desired. Arrange on platter and serve.

Serves 8
Source: Williams-Sonoma Entertaining: Cocktail Parties by Georgeanne Brennan