Croque madame

Serve without the eggs for a Croque Monsieur.

For the bechamel sauce

2 tsp	Butter
2 tsp	Plain flour
½ cup	Low-fat milk, warmed
1 pinch	Ground nutmeg, or to taste

For the sandwich

4 slices	White bread, toasted
½ cup	Gruyere cheese, finely grated, or use a similar cheese
60 g	Shaved ham (Main)
2 Tbsp	Olive oil
2	Eggs (Main)

Directions

1. To make the Bechamel Sauce, melt the butter in a small, non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour. Cook — stirring — for up to 1 minute, until thick. Slowly stir in the warm milk and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until thickened. Season. Keep warm.
2. Place 2 slices of bread on a chopping board. Sprinkle with half the grated cheese, then add the ham, the remaining cheese and remaining bread.
3. Brush a ridged frying pan or similar with olive oil. Pan-fry the sandwiches either side until lightly golden and the cheese has melted. Meanwhile, pan-fry or poach the eggs until the whites are set.
4. Place the sandwiches on plates. Spoon the Bechamel sauce over each sandwich and place the eggs on top.

More decadent meals from Jan

• Salade de tomates et fromage
• Lamb ragout