Croque Monsieur

From the age of three to the age of ten I lived in London, England. During this time of my life my family and I would travel around Europe during vacation. Since it was very convenient, we would go to France for a few days as it was only a Eurostar ride away. France was the easiest place to travel, (and my parents favorite), we would go there at least once a year. Like all children I liked grilled cheese and other basic foods, so while in France I would always get a Croque Monsieur since it is the French version of ham and cheese. The other day I was thinking about different lunch foods and Croque Monsieur came to mind. I decided to make it for my dad and I for lunch. It is so simple to make yet so hearty and delicious. I hope you enjoy my recipe for Croque Monsieur!

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Flour
1 1/4 Cup Milk (warmed)
1 Cup Gruyere Cheese
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/4 Teaspoons Mustard Powder
a pinch of Nutmeg
8 oz Sliced Ham
4 Slices of White Sandwich Bread (toasted)

Pre heat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. In a small saucepan mix the butter and flour together to make a roux. To this add the warm milk and whisk together until the roux has dissolved. Next, add the salt 1/2 the gruyere cheese, pepper, mustard powder, and nutmeg to the béchamel and taste to check for seasoning.

Place 2 toasted slices of bread on a baking sheet and evenly spread a layer of béchamel. Put 2 slices of ham on top of the béchamel and then add a little more béchamel on top of the ham. Place another piece of bread on top of the ham, and spread another layer of béchamel on top. Then put as much cheese as you want on top.

Bake in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then enjoy!