Sharing My Passion for Real Food Made at Home

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"For those who want an excellent Croque Monsieur, Madame here are the recipes from the George V room service menu" -- Paul Ebeling

Ladies 1st!

Croque Madame

YIELD: SERVES 4

A classic Croque Madame is our idea of the ultimate brunch dish: Uncured French bistro ham is at home alongside creamy béchamel, melted cheese, and a perfectly runny egg.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons Black Truffle Butter, divided use

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups whole milk

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• pink salt & freshly ground black Java pepper

• grated nutmeg, to taste

• 8 slices Pain de Campagne

• 8 thin slices French Bistro Ham

• 3 oz Gruyere cheese, grated

• 3 oz young Fontina cheese, grated

• 5 organic eggs

• Cornichons, for serving

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the truffle butter. Add flour and whisk frequently until mixture turns golden brown and foamy, about 4 mins. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened, about 4 more mins. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard; season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, to taste.

3. Lay all 8 slices of country bread on a sheet pan. Spread each slice with a thick coating of béchamel in an even layer. On four of the slices, top béchamel with ham slices and half of the cheese. Lay the béchamel-only slices on top and spread the rest of the cheese over the béchamel.

4. Bake until the cheese is melted and the tops of the sandwiches are golden brown and crusty, about 15-20 mins.

5. Melt the remaining truffle butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the eggs until the whites are set, cover and continue to cook until yolks are runny but warm throughout. Top each sandwich with an egg and serve immediately with cornichons on the side and baby greens dressed with vinaigrette.

Gentlemen...

Croque Monsieur

YIELD: SERVES 4

Great for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner, a classic croque monsieur should be in everyone’s cooking repertoire. French bistro ham gives authentic results.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Black Truffle Butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups whole milk

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• pink salt & freshly ground black Java pepper

• grated nutmeg, to taste

• 8 slices Pain de Campagne

• 8 thin slices of French Bistro Ham

• 3 oz Gruyere cheese, grated

• 3 oz young Fontina cheese, grated

• Cornichons, for serving

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt truffle butter. Add flour and whisk frequently until mixture turns golden brown and foamy, about 4 mins. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened, about 4 more mins. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard; season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, to taste.

3. Lay all 8 slices of country bread on a sheet pan. Spread each slice with a thick coating of béchamel in an even layer. On 4 of the slices, top béchamel with ham slices and half of the cheese. Lay the béchamel-only slices on top and spread the rest of the cheese over the béchamel.

4. Bake until the cheese is melted and the tops of the sandwiches are golden brown and crusty, about 15-20 mins. Serve immediately, with cornichons and baby greens dressed with vinaigrette.

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