First of all, it is an OPEN face sandwich. Second, it is NOT a grilled cheese. And, third, it does NOT involve bechamel, a white sauce.If you have a broiler, it is a simple as slicing bread.
Take a thick piece of bread, I prefer pain de campagne, a rustic hearty loaf. Lightly butter. Place slices of ham on the butter side, covering the bread (trim to fit, precisely, if you are French). Add a layer of sliced Gruyere. Dab dots of butter on top. Run under the broiler until cheese has browned.
No broiler? Butter both sides of bread, and pan fry gently until the cheese melts.
Not enough protein? Top it off with a fried egg for a croque Madame.
Perfect for lunch on a cold, cold day.
Dinner tonight - done. I don't like the béchamel so many places use to soak their Croque Monsieur
ReplyDeletein this age of camera phones do you have a foto of your croc monsieur, madame?
ReplyDeletealthough I disLike cheeze on just about anything besides Pizza, I have to admit I did like the one croq I did order. still, I have no plans to eat another. 1 day i may post a foto of my croc.
I've had the lady sandwich. Wonderfully decadent.
ReplyDeleteWell, I think we will have to have lunch at Nicole's again.
ReplyDeleteI'd put mustard on it. That mustard they have at Phillipes downtown.
ReplyDeleteI could make this. I have made this. I'm not sure I used gruyere, but I was close.
ReplyDeleteYay, PB! PA: I would too, as I haven't been to Philippe's since I was in grade school I wouldn't remember what their mustard's like. I vote for dijon--M-you're on! AH: something we should all aspire to be-CP--Alas, my tech failings are numerous. Bec: glad to have helped!
ReplyDeleteI remember eating this before. Just mouthwatering!
ReplyDelete