French Classic: The Croque Monsieur
From
| November 01, 2011
In Kitchen Basics, Travel Scoop
Featured Recipe: Parisian Ham and Cheese Sandwich (Croque Monsieur)
Last week's Desperation Dinners Column:
I thought I knew what a good ham and cheese sandwich was all about until I tasted my first Croque Monsieur. If you’re not familiar with the Classic French toasted ham and cheese sandwich, then you are in for a real treat.
What makes this sandwich so special, you ask? The secret is in the sauce. Before you turn the page, let me explain just how easy this sauce is. Using a technique from Barbara Kafka, author of the Microwave Gourmet (1998), I’ve perfected a small batch Béchamel sauce that is so easy, you won’t believe it. That’s right!
You make the sauce in the microwave, and it’s as easy as pushing a few buttons. Including measuring and cooking, the whole Small Batch Béchamel takes under five minutes.
That makes a Parisian-style Ham and Cheese a 1, 2, 3 endeavor: Make the sauce, assemble the sandwich, run it under the broiler. That’s it. Now that’s the kind of French Classic I can handle.
Comments
From JH2 - November 10, 2011
This is an awesome looking meal 
I'm trying out this recipe very soon - I'll post the results of my creation! lol
From Alicia Ross - November 10, 2011
@JH2 - you can change the kind of bread, amount of ham or variety and even the cheese for a new and different flavor sandwich. Be sure to let us know what changes you make to your special creation.
Related Recipes
Parisian Ham and Cheese Sandwich (Croque Monsieur)
October 29, 2011
I thought I knew what a good ham and cheese sandwich was all about until I tasted my first Croque Monsieur. If you’re not familiar with the Classic French toasted ham and cheese sandwich, then you are in for a real treat.
Read full recipe.
Small Batch Béchamel
October 30, 2011
Using a technique from Barbara Kafka, author of the Microwave Gourmet (1998), I’ve perfected a small batch Béchamel sauce that is so easy, you won’t believe it. That’s right! You make the sauce in the microwave, and it’s as easy as pushing a few buttons. Including measuring and cooking, the whole Small Batch Béchamel takes under five minutes.
Read full recipe.My Books
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Thank you, honestly, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart for giving this gift to the "frantic families" in the world. God Bless you! Now, if you'll excuse me I need to go dig in to my "Oh-so-easy Turkey Tetrazzini" (it was a YUM!)
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From Cooking classes - November 08, 2011
I love french food.