Croque-Monsieur

This is a very popular lunch choice in France; one that is loved country-wide. It is traditionally made with Emmental cheese though any cheese that melts well could do the job. I have personally used cheddar many times as Emmental was not readily available when I lived in the UK.

2 Servings

Ingredients:

20gr butter

10gr flour

150ml milk

A pinch of ground nutmeg

4 slices of bread

2 slices of ham

2 slices of Emmental cheese

A handful of grated Emmental cheese

Instructions:

Heat the oven to 180c.

Create a Bechamel sauce by melting the butter, adding in the flour on low heat & whisking vigorously as you slowly pour in the milk, to avoid lumps forming. Allow to heat to a gentle simmer & add a pinch of nutmeg.

Carry on simmering until the sauce thickens, whisking regularly, to avoid the sauce sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Place 2 slices of bread on an oven tray & spread half the Bechamel sauce onto either one.

Add a slice of ham & a slice of cheese.

Add another slice of bread & the remaining Bechamel sauce over the top.

Finish with a generous helping of grated cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes.