Mushroom, Spinach, and Fontina Panini

In 'Panini' by Melanie Barnard

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4  ounces  mixed mushrooms, brushed clean and sliced (mixed wild and cultivated mushrooms)
• 2  tablespoons  finely chopped shallots
• 2  tablespoons cognac
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh tarragon
•  salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 4  slices  crusty  country bread (each slice 1/2 inch thick)
• 3  ounces  very thinly sliced Fontina cheese
• 1  cup  baby spinach leaves

Directions

1. In a saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over med-high heat; add in mushrooms and shallots; saute until mushrooms are softened and release their juices, 3-5 minutes.
2. Continue to cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed, 2-3 minutes longer.
3. Stir in the Cognac, chopped tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook/stir, for 1 minute; let cool slightly.
5. Preheat the sandwich grill; melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over med-high heat.
6. Place bread slices on a work surface and brush 1 side of each with the melted butter.
7. Turn and layer 1/4 of the cheese, half of the mushrooms, and half of the spinach on the unbuttered side of two of the bread slices.
8. Divide the remaining cheese on top; place the remaining 2 bread slices on top, buttered sides up, and press to pack gently.
9. Place the panini in the grill; close the top plate, and cook until the bread is golden and toasted, the spinach is wilted, and the cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes; serve immediately.