This mountain cheese, produced for hundreds of years, has an exotic "farmyard" aroma and a unique, soft texture. Try with pears or in this grilled cheese sandwich. It's the perfect accompaniment to a hearty Italian bean soup.

Makes 4 sandwiches   Recipe provided by Whole Foods Market

• 4 to 6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature, divided
• 1 tablespoon pesto
• 8 slices country bread
• 8 ounces Taleggio cheese, rind removed, at room temperature, divided into 2-ounce portions
• 2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

Combine 2 tablespoons of the butter with pesto. Spread one side of each bread slice evenly to the edges with pesto butter. With buttered sides up, top four slices with 2 ounces of Taleggio and tomato slices. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side down.

Place a large skillet over medium high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Reduce heat to low and add sandwiches, one or two at a time. Cook until browned and crisp on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Add additional butter to pan when you flip. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

Nutrition Info

Per serving (1 sandwich/228g-wt.): 540 calories (290 from fat), 32g total fat, 18g saturated fat, 20g protein, 45g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 9g sugar), 90mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium