Parisian Ham-and-Cheese Sandwich — Croque Monsieur
2 ounces natural honey deli ham (see note)
¼ cup (2 ounces) Gruyere cheese, shredded, divided
2 slices country white bread
1 tablespoon bechamel sauce, recipe follows
Place ham and half of the cheese between bread slices. In a toaster oven, toast sandwich on high for 3 minutes or until bread is golden brown. (I line my toaster oven with foil so I can use the toaster function without having to flip the sandwich to toast both sides. If you prefer, you can use a pan and turn the sandwich to make sure both sides are toasted.) Remove sandwich from toaster oven and switch it to a broiler mode to preheat.Place the sandwich on the broiler pan and spread 1 tablespoon bechamel over top of sandwich, and top with remaining cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly about 90 seconds. Serve immediately.Serves one; easily doubled, tripled, etc.Cook#146;s note: For testing purposes and nutritional analysis, we used Hormel Natural Choice honey deli ham. There are no preservatives, nitrates, nitrites or MSG added. @Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per sandwich: 546 calories, 23 g fat (12 g saturated), 44 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 36 g protein, 97 mg cholesterol, 1,235 mg sodium
Small Batch Bechamel
<div class="recipeIngredients">1 tablespoon butter</div>
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ cup 2 percent milk (see Cooks note)
¼ cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch ground black pepper
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<div class="recipeDirections"></B>Place butter and flour in a 1-cup glass measure (microwave-safe). Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH, just until butter is melted, about 30 seconds. Remove and stir well to incorporate flour. Microwave for another 15 seconds or until mixture is bubbling quickly.
Remove and stir in milk and broth, stirring well until completely incorporated and any lumps are gone. Microwave mixture for 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until mixture is steaming and has a consistency between thick cream and warm pudding. This will take up to 1½ to 2 minutes. Remove sauce from microwave and use as needed. Cover any leftovers tightly, and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave and adjust consistency with additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Makes ½ cup.
Cooks note: You can also use whole milk, half-and-half or cream.
@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per tablespoon: 20 calories, 1.6 g fat (1 g saturated), 1 g carbohydrates, 0 fiber, trace amount protein, 4 mg cholesterol, 118 mg sodium.</div>