Combine apricots and boiling water (enough to cover apricots) in a small bowl, let stand for 5 min. Drain water, stir in almonds and green onions.

Spread apricot fruit spread on 2 sliced of artisan bread. Top with ham, and then apricot mixture. Sprinkle cheese over the top of apricot mixture and add pepper to taste. Add remaining two sliced of bread to the top of the sandwich. Lightly spray outsides of bread with cooking spray.

Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Place sandwiches on grill pan and place a heavy skillet (like cast iron) on top of sandwich to weigh down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks are formed and bread is toasted. Flip over and repeat on other side. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until bread is golden and filling is heated through (cheese is melted) .

Alternatively you can use a panini press or a regular skillet to toast sandwich.