Gruyère, Apricot Jam, and Toasted Walnut Panini

It may seem like an unusual combination, but once you’ve tried this sweet, nutty sandwich, you’ll be hooked. If you don’t have a panini maker, cook the sandwiches in a skillet and weigh them down with another pan. Or you can wrap them in foil and cook on the grill with a weight on top. From Vegetarian Times(July 2008)

• Ready In: 24 mins
• Yields: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup walnuts
• 8 1⁄2  inch-thick slices french  country bread (I use whole grain)
• 4  teaspoons  apricot jam
• 6  ounces gruyere cheese, cut into 4 thin slices

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place walnuts on baking sheet, and bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until fragrant. Cool, and finely chop.
3. Preheat panini maker.
4. Spread 4 slices bread with 1 teaspoons jam each. Sprinkle walnuts on top of jam, and top each with 1 slice Gruyère. Cover with remaining bread. Place sandwiches in panini maker, and bake 2 to 4 minutes, or until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted. Slice each sandwich into 4 wedges, and serve warm.