An Eat'n Man: Croque Monsieur

I think we'll declare this month Melt-y March, and not just because of the snow (which is now melting) that appeared unseasonably late here in Texas, but because we will feature two delicious melted cheese dishes this month, one French, one British. First up, the French.

At its heart, a Croque Monsieur is basically a ham and cheese sandwich, but it is a ham and cheese sandwich gussied up with the culinary excess that only the French can provide. It is succulent, savory and delicious. If you've never had one right out from under the broiler, you simply must try it. Magnifique!

Croque Monsieur

4 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
2 Cups Milk
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Teaspoon Herbs de Province
1/4 Cup Dijon Mustard
6 Oz Gruyere, Grated
4 Slices Country Ham
4 Slices Swiss Cheese (Emmental)
8 Slices Sandwich Bread

Melt Butter in a large skillet.

Meanwhile, gently heat your milk in a sauce pan

Sift in the Flour into the skillet with the butter

Stir until combined.

Add your hot milk

Stir into no clumps of flour remain.

Add the salt, nutmeg and Herbs de Province.

Add 4 ounces of the Gruyere.

Remove from heat and stir until cheese melts.

Add a heaping teaspoon of the Dijon mustard and stir.

Meanwhile toast your bread slices and remove the crust.

Slather four of the slices with Dijon mustard.

Top these four with a slice of ham.

Top that with a slice of the Swiss Cheese

Top those with the rest of the bread. You've now got four pretty decent ham sandwiches. But, we're now gonna go one step further. Make 'em a little more decadent. Slather the tops of each sandwich with a generous helping of the cheese sauce you made in the skillet.