GRILLED HAM, BRIE, APPLES AND APRICOT SANDWICH WITH ARUGULA

This is a spin on a sandwich I had at a cafe which later became this inspiration for the post “Where Have All The Cafes Gone?”

• 1 Ciabatta bun.
• 5 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup store-bought apricot preserve (possible substitute – fig preserve)
• 4 tablespoons of good quality honey
• 1 pound sliced fresh roasted deli ham (possible substitute – turkey)
• 1/2 pound brie cheese, thickly sliced
• 1 bunch arugula, stems trimmed (optional)

Start by mixing both honey and apricot preserve. Cut Ciabatta bun lengthwise and apply Honey-apricot mixture to both inside portions of bread. Layer several slices of deli ham, sliced brie, then granny smith apples. Add a drizzle of apricot preserve on top of the apples. Apply top layer of Deli ham. Arrange 2 to 3 arugula leaves on top (optional). Spread butter on the outer parts of the ciabatta.

Heat a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and let it melt to evenly coat the bottom of the pan. Add as many sandwiches as will comfortably fit (either 2 or 4) and cook 2 to 3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip and cook 2 to 3 more minutes to brown the bread. (Add another tablespoon of butter and cook the remaining sandwiches, if you need to.) Cut the sandwiches in half and serve hot.