Ingredients

3 tbsp. butter

1/2 lb. mushrooms

1/4 tsp. salt

tsp. fresh-ground black pepper

4 tsp. chopped fresh sage

8 slice from a large round loaf of country-style bread

1/2 lb. Fontina

Preparation

Step 1In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over moderate heat. Add the mushrooms, salt, pepper, and dried sage, if using, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh sage, if using. Put the mushrooms in a bowl and wipe out the pan.Step 2Using a pastry brush, coat one side of 4 slices of the bread with half of the melted butter. Put them, buttered-side down, on a work surface. Top the bread with the cheese and then the mushrooms. Cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread; brush the tops with the remaining melted butter.Step 3Heat the frying pan over moderately low heat. Add the sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden, about 2 minutes per side.Step 4Wine Recommendation: A crisp, dry, Italian white, such as Soave, Frascati, or pinot grigio will refresh your mouth after every bite of this flavorful sandwich.