French Food Friday - Croissant Croque Monsieur

 

This week's recipe is a quick and easy one and it makes a change from a normal toasted sandwich.

Croissant Croque Monsieur

Ingredients

4 croissants

8 slices good quality ham

2/3 cup grated gruyere cheese

Béchamel Sauce:

1 tbsp butter

2 tbsp plain flour

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

You can make the Béchamel Sauce either on the stove top, or in the microwave. The method is very similar. On the stove top, heat the butter in a saucepan over a gentle heat until just melted. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon. Add  the milk in three lots, stirring continuously, until well incorporated. Keep stirring while cooking over the heat until the sauce is thickened and smooth. If it misbehaves, just whisk it with a wire whisk until smooth - it should finish thick and silky. Add the Parmesan, nutmeg and dijon and stir to combine. Yum. Leave to cool. (Left over Béchamel Sauce can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days). Preheat oven to 200˚C (400˚F) and get out an oven tray.

Slice the croissants in half and spread each bottom half with 2 tablespoons of Béchamel Sauce and 2 pieces of ham. Top with croissant 'lid', and spread with 1-2 more tablespoons of Béchamel Sauce on each. Sprinkle with gruyere cheese and pop in the oven until golden and bubbling, about 15 minutes. Great with strong hot coffee in the morning, or a glass of red and salad for lunch and dinner - the ultimate comfort food!

 

bon vendredi à tous♥

Leeann x