Blue Cheese Tortilla Croque-Monsieur

° Serves 4

A traditional croque-monsieur is a thin ham and cheese sandwich that is browned in butter in a skillet. For this adaptation, I use large flour tortillas instead of bread, filling them with blue or Brie cheese and ham. The sandwiches, which can be made in just a few minutes, are terrific for lunch with a salad.

• 8 flour tortillas (about 7 inches in diameter)
• 6 ounces blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Stilton, crumbled, or Brie cheese, cut into pieces
• 4 slices cooked ham (about 3 ounces)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Arrange 4 tortillas on the counter, and place half of the cheese on each of them, making sure to spread it to the outer edge of the tortilla. Place a slice of ham on top of the cheese, and sprinkle with the pepper. Cover with the remaining cheese, again making sure to spread it to the edge, and then place the remaining tortillas on top and press on them gently to make them adhere well.

Heat 1½ teaspoons of the butter in each of the two nonstick skillets. When it is hot, add a tortilla to each skillet, and cook over medium to low heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Set aside and let rest for 4 to 5 minutes before removing from the skillet, so the cheese can set up a little. Remove to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with the two remaining filled tortillas.

Cut each of the tortilla sandwiches into four wedges and serve.

Flour tortillas replace the bread in this variation of the classic Croque-Monsieur.