Croque Monsieur or Madame

Croque Monsieur or Madame

Ingredients:

Vienna Bread (or your favorite)

American or Swiss cheese, 2 slices per sandwich

Ham slices, thick or thin (your preference)

Bechamel Sauce (Recipe below)

OPTIONAL: If you are making Croque Madame, you will need a poached, or soft-fried egg.

                      -Dijon Mustard

For Bechamel Sauce:

5 Tablespoons Butter

4 Tablespoons Flour

4 Cups Milk

Pinch of Nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

Method:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Heat milk in a pot until just before boiling. 

In a pan melt butter and mix with flour. Stir until just browning.

Whisk milk into roux (butter and flour.) Keep whisking until sauce thickens. Add grated cheese, Nutmeg, and Salt.

Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place pieces of bread on sheet. Add cheese, meat, mustard, egg (if using) and a small spoon of bechamel. Put top slices of bread on. Coat liberally with bechamel sauce. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

I had these almost every day when I went to France. SO DELICIOUS!

Enjoy!