Grilled Ham, Chicken, and Gruyère Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 ounces prosciutto, cut into 4 thin slices
• 8 (3/4-ounce) slices sourdough bread
• 4 teaspoons butter, softened and divided
• 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cups arugula leaves
• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced shallots
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 large red-skinned pear, sliced

Preparation

1. 1. Split each chicken breast in half lengthwise to form 2 cutlets. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken evenly with pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan. Wrap 1 prosciutto slice around each chicken cutlet.
2. 2. Return pan to medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Spread one side of each bread slice evenly with 1/2 teaspoon butter. Place 4 bread slices, buttered side down, in pan. Top each bread slice in pan with 2 tablespoons cheese; toast bread for 2 minutes or until underside is toasted and cheese melts. Remove the bread from pan. Recoat pan with cooking spray. Place the remaining 4 bread slices, buttered side down, in pan; toast 2 minutes or until toasted. Remove from pan.
3. 3. Top each cheese-topped bread slice with 1 chicken cutlet. Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard over untoasted side of each remaining bread slice. Combine arugula, shallots, and juice in a bowl; toss. Divide mixture evenly among sandwiches; top each sandwich with 1 bread slice, mustard side down. Serve with pear slices.
4. Beer Match: Try an amber ale like New Belgium Fat Tire ($1.50/bottle). The toasty malt and hoppy bitterness in these ales will complement the recipe's sweet pears and nutty cheese. --Gretchen Roberts