Croque Monsieur

A delicious take on a French classic.

PREP: 15 minutes      GRILL: 10 minutes

MAKES: 4 servings

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

½ cup whole milk

salt and ground black pepper

ground nutmeg

8 slices firm white or country-style bread

2 ounces Gruyère, shredded (½ cup)

8 ounces sliced deli baked ham

1. In 1-quart saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. With wire whisk, stir in flour and cook until mixture browns slightly, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add milk and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat to boiling, stirring 1 to 2 minutes longer or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

2. Spread remaining 1 tablespoon butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices bread on work surface, buttered sides down; top with Gruyère. Arrange ham over cheese, folding slices to fit. Spread about 2 tablespoons sauce on 1 unbuttered side of each remaining bread slice. Top sandwiches with bread, sauce side down.

3. Heat large ridged grill pan on medium heat until hot. Arrange sandwiches in skillet with cheese layer on bottom. Cook sandwiches until bread is golden brown, about 6 minutes. Turn sandwiches over and cook until bread is brown and cheese melts, 3 to 4 minutes longer.

EACH SERVING: About 320 calories, 19g protein, 30g carbohydrate, 14g total fat (5g saturated), 47mg cholesterol, 1,115mg sodium