MUSHROOM, SPINACH, AND FONTINA PANINI

Mushroom, Spinach, and Fontina Panini image

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Time 35m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

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

Steps:

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.
Continue to cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed, 2-3 minutes longer.
Stir in the Cognac, chopped tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook/stir, for 1 minute; let cool slightly.
Preheat the sandwich grill; melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over med-high heat.
Place bread slices on a work surface and brush 1 side of each with the melted butter.
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.
Divide the remaining cheese on top; place the remaining 2 bread slices on top, buttered sides up, and press to pack gently.
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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 661.1, Fat 31.7, SaturatedFat 18.2, Cholesterol 87.5, Sodium 1136.2, Carbohydrate 70.5, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 1, Protein 23.5