Croque-monsieur

If you have ever seen the movie "It's Complicated," you probably remember the scene where Meryl Streep makes Croque-monsieur for Steve Martin. If you haven't seen the movie, you MUST! Not only is it a great movie, but the Croque-monsieur looks delicious! I did some research to find out how to make this fancy "french" grilled cheese myself. I don't like too much bread, so I made made mine open faced. Its simple and yummy! See recipe below.





















Ingredients:
  • White artisian bread (2 slices, sliced diagonally)
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 1/2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 6 slices (thin) of black forest ham
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1 tablespoon of flour
  • a dash of nutmeg
  • salt & pepper
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a small sauce pan heat butter on low until melted. Add flour and whisk for about a minute. Slowly add the milk whisking constantly. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium and bring to simmer stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened. Once thickened remove from heat. This sauce is called Bechamel Sauce. 

Lightly grease a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Lay bread slices on cookie sheet and top each with 3 slices of ham. Spread about 1 tablespoon of Bechamel sauce over ham. Top with 3/4 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese. Place in oven and bake for 10-13 minutes until cheese melts and is lightly browned. Pair with a side salad or a cup of soup. Eat!























A little trivia? Croque-monsieur is a hot ham and grilled cheese sandwich that originated in France as a fast food snack served in cafés and bars. 

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