Brie, Pear and Walnut Sandwiches

Buttery Brie, ripe pears, toasted walnuts and peppery watercress—an elegant quartet of flavors in a casual sandwich setting.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup chopped walnuts
8 hearty bread slices
8 ounces Brie cheese, thinly sliced
2 medium ripe pears (Bosc, d'Anjou, Comice or Bartlett), cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 cup watercress tips and leaves, rinsed and patted dry

Cooking Directions:

1. Toast walnuts in a small sauté pan over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
3. On half the bread slices, place equal amounts of the walnuts, Brie, pear and watercress. Top with remaining bread, place on a baking sheet and bake until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Makes 4 servings.

Tip: To make slicing the Brie easier, rinse knife in hot water between slices, wiping dry on a clean towel each time.