Croque Madame: The Ultimate Grilled Sandwich

Name: Croque Madame: The Ultimate Grilled Sandwich
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices sandwich bread or leftover rustic bread; 3 1/2 oz shredded melting cheese (Gouda, Gruyère, or Kasseri); 4 slices ham or smoked turkey; 1 tablespoon butter (or margarine); 1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon butter (or margarine); 3/4 cup milk (200 ml); 1 tablespoon mustard; Salt, pepper, a little ground nutmeg; 2 cups water (1/2 liter); 1 tablespoon vinegar; 2-4 eggs; Salt, pepper, paprika, a little olive oil for drizzling over the eggs, a little chives optionally

Zoe Tsomaka @zoe_tsomaka

Eating healthy during the holiday season is more of a short-lived joke than a reality. However, we can balance it out by cooking healthy, easy, quick, and delicious dishes. Let's create the first "light" meal of the year! What could be better than a brunch for us and our family? Brunch is embraced by everyone, not just because it's a new trend, but because it offers convenience and creativity by combining modern and traditional flavors. This idea started when it was realized how difficult it is to get up early on Sunday or a holiday to cook, especially if we stayed up late the night before. The first recipe I made after staying up on New Year's Eve was the "Croque Madame," the crispy lady of the French, the feminine version of the 'Croque Monsieur' with the added delight of one or two eggs on top. The ultimate grilled sandwich with cheese, ham, and béchamel, which is a typical dish of French "bistros." The inspiration to make this quick dish came from the leftover bread, cheese, ham, and béchamel from the previous day. The New Year's Eve dinner may always steal the show, but there's nothing better than starting this new year with such a delicious homemade brunch. Happy New Year!

Zoe Tsomaka @zoe_tsomaka

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Ingredients

4 slicessandwich bread or leftover rustic bread
3 1/2 ozshredded melting cheese (Gouda, Gruyère, or Kasseri)
4 slicesham or smoked turkey
1 tablespoonbutter (or margarine)
For the béchamel:
1heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoonbutter (or margarine)
3/4 cupmilk (200 ml)
1 tablespoonmustard
Salt, pepper, a little ground nutmeg
For the poached eggs:
2 cupswater (1/2 liter)
1 tablespoonvinegar
2-4eggs
Salt, pepper, paprika, a little olive oil for drizzling over the eggs, a little chives optionally

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Steps

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Start with the simplest béchamel. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, add the flour, and stir. Gradually pour in the milk and gently stir with a whisk.
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Add the mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the béchamel thickens slightly. Set it aside.
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For the croque: In a large pan, melt the butter and heat it. Toast the bread slices on one side until they are slightly golden.
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Place the 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet with the toasted side down. Evenly distribute the béchamel over the bread slices and spread it out.
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Add 2 slices of ham or turkey on top of the béchamel on only 2 slices of bread. Sprinkle about 1 oz of shredded cheese on each slice (on all 4 slices).
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Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until the cheese melts. Once the cheese has melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the slices with only cheese and béchamel on top of the slices with ham. (The side with the melted cheese and béchamel should be on top of the sandwich.) This is how we make the Croque Monsieur sandwiches. To make Croque Madame, add poached or fried eggs on top.
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For the poached eggs: In a small saucepan, pour cold water to fill half the pot (about 2 cups). Add the vinegar and a little salt. Stir. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Once boiling, reduce to low heat so the water simmers. In a bowl, crack the egg and with a spoon, stir the water in a circular motion to create a whirlpool, then gently drop the egg into the pot. This way, the poached egg will have a round shape. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes if you want a runny yolk. Remove the egg with a slotted spoon. Repeat the same process with the remaining eggs.
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Place the eggs on top of the sandwiches and sprinkle with paprika, optionally chives, salt, freshly ground pepper, and drizzle a little olive oil. Serve with arugula and cherry tomatoes or a green salad of your choice. Enjoy!
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