The Classic French Bistro Sandwich - Croque Monsieur

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 8 slices bread
• 4 ounces butter, softened
• 4 slices ham
• 4 slices gruyere cheese
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper

Recipe

• 1 spread the bread with some of the softened butter, make 4 sandwiches, each with one slice of ham and one slice of cheese. press them firmly together.
• 2 beat the eggs with the water, add the salt and pepper to taste, and dip the sandwiches into the egg mixture, coating all sides well.
• 3 heat the rest of the butter in a heavy- bottomed frying pan/skillet, when it has melted and is very hot - but not brown, fry the sandwiches for about 5 - 8 minutes, turning once.
• 4 serve immediately.
• 5 if you prefer, although it is not traditional, you may place the croque-monsieur into a very well-buttered baking pan and bake in a moderately hot oven - 175°c/350°f - turning once, for about 10 to 15 minutes. it is easier to prepare a larger number this way and keep them warm until you are ready to serve them.