Use a sweet, ripe (but not overripe) pear such as Bosc or Anjou; if it’s not ripe enough, the flavor won’t marry with the cheese. Taleggio is a mild, creamy Italian cheese; if you can’t find it, Brie is a perfectly fine substitute.
Cooks' Note
If you do not have a panini press, you can make the sandwiches in a ridged grill pan. Preheat the grill pan, add the sandwich, then place a weight (a foil-wrapped brick, a smaller skillet with a couple of cans in it) on top. Turn once half way through.
