Crispy Mister

Did you see the movie "It's complicated" Well, when I saw it all I could think about was Meryl Streeps' great and I mean GREAT house in Santa Barbara and her amazing bakery.

I guess I should also mention her garden to die for. Oh the life!!!

Croque Monsieur also known as "crispy Mister" happened to be in that movie so of course I wanted to try and make it. No major feet. It is quite easy. In fact it is the original fast food of France.

We had it as a casual week night dinner with a salad. I have to say it was very rich so nothing I would make on a regular basis. But boy was it yummy.

If you want to turn up your grilled sandwich experience this ones for you. Enjoy

Here is how to make it:

First make the bechamel sauce. Melt the butter in a small sauce pan on low until it bubbles. Add the flour and cook, stirring until smooth. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously, cooking until thick. Remove from heat. Add the salt pepper and nutmeg. Stir in the Parmesan and 1/4 cup Gruyere. Set aside.


Lay out the bread slices on a baking sheet spread with some butter and toast the in the oven, a few minutes each side, until lightly browned.

Lightly brush half the toasted slices with mustard. Add the ham slices and about 1 cup of the remaining Gruyere cheese. Top with the other toasted bread slices

Spoon on the bechamel sauce to the tops of the sandwiches. Sprinkle with the remaining gruyere cheese. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes, then turn on the broiler and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly browned.

Ingredients:

2tbsp butter

2 Tbsp flour

1 1/2 cups milk

A pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, nutmeg

6 ounces Gruyere cheese grated

8 slices French bread

12 ounces ham, sliced

Dijon mustard