Fig and Pear Pannini

Has a definite Near-East taste to it.

Makes 4 sandwiches
Mats:
2 pears, semi-hard
1 loaf of crusty bread - I went with something called a Hoboken roll this time, it's doughier and chewier than a ciabatta or foccoia loaf.
1/2 c toasted almond slivers
1/2 c goat cheese
4 Tb fig preserves, or 1/2c chopped figs
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat the over to 400 F.
Cut the pears in half and remove core. Pour 1/2 c water into a shallow baking dish and place the pears in the dish cut-side up. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25min.
While the pears are baking, slice the bread into 4 sections, then slice in half lengthwise so you can fill it like a sandwich.
Spread the goat cheese on half the bread slices and top with toasted almonds.
Spread the fig preserves on the other half of the bread slices, and sprinkle the cinnamon on top
When the pears are done baking, run them under cool water and remove the skins.
Thinly slice the pears and place on the fig-covered slices of bread.
Pair the fig-slices with the cheese-slices to make sandwiches.
Cook in a pannini maker (or in a weighted skillet) for 5 minues.