The Spaniard (grilled Sandwich)

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon pimentos, de la vera (spanish paprika)
• 8 slices sandwich-size italian bread
• 8 thin slices serrano ham (about 3 ounces) or 8 prosciutto (about 3 ounces)
• 4 ounces young mahon cheese, coarsely grated (you also can use fontina or american muenster)
• 4 ounces manchego cheese, coarsely grated
• 4 fresh piquillo chilies, stems removed, slit lengthwise and opened like a book (can sub canned)

Recipe

• 1 in a small bowl, mix the butter and pimenton together.
• 2 spread the pimenton-butter mixture on one side of each of the bread slices. place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on your work surface. place 2 slices of ham on the bread. distribute the cheeses over the ham. lay the chiles over the cheese and top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
• 3 heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. put the sandwiches into the pan, cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown. remove the cover and turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to compress the filling slightly. cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the undersides are well-browned. turn the sandwiches once more, press firmly with the spatula again, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the pan. let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. cut in half and serve.