Grilled Brie Sandwiches with Apricot Jam

These make delicious and popular appetizers. Cut the sandwiches in halves or quarters, arrange on a platter, and serve.

• 4 tsp. salted butter, at room temperature
• 8 slices French bread, cut on an angle 1/4-inch thick
• 3 Tbs. apricot jam
• 5 oz. ripe Brie or Camembert, rind removed; cheese sliced while cold (leave the slices at room temperature for easier spreading)

Butter all the bread slices on one side only. Put them all, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Spread four of the slices with a thin layer of jam (about 2 tsp. per slice). Spread the cheese on the other four slices. Pair the jam slices with the cheese slices.

Heat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Put as many sandwiches as will fit in the pan or on the-griddle without crowding, cover, and cook until the cheese has just begun to melt and the bread is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the lid and turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to flatten it slightly. Cook the sandwiches uncovered until the bottom is golden brown, about 1 minute. Turn them once more and press with the spatula again to recrisp the bread, about 30 seconds. Cut the sandwiches in halves or quarters and serve immediately.