Croque Monsieur

Versatile bread can be a key ingredient in a main course and dessert

Preparation Cooking Serves

10 minutes 13 minutes 2

2½ tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon plain flour ½ cup (125 ml) milk 2 tablespoons grated parmesan 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 4 slices sourdough bread 100 g sliced ham 2 slices Swiss cheese

1 Melt 1½ tablespoons of the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a thick paste, then gradually add milk, stirring vigorously until smooth. Increase the heat to high and stir for another 30-60 seconds, or until it is thick and smooth. Stir in parmesan to make a cheese sauce. Set aside. 2 Preheat the grill to high. Spread the mustard over 2 bread slices, then top with ham and cheese. Top with the remaining bread to make 2 sandwiches. 3 Place a small frying pan over medium heat. Melt half the remaining butter in the hot pan. Fry one sandwich for 1 minute on each side, or until golden all over, then place on a baking tray. Repeat with the second sandwich. 4 Spread cheese sauce over the top of the sandwiches. Place under the grill for 4–5 minutes, or until the sauce is golden and bubbling. Serve hot.