Baked Croque Monsieurs

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

-2 Tbs. butter

-2 Tbs. flour

-1 cup milk, warmed

-3/4 cup gruyere cheese,

  shredded

-Salt and pepper

-8 slices country-style

  white sandwich bread

-4 Tbs. Dijon mustard

-4 slices baked ham

-Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, raise the heat to medium, and bring to a simmer. Simmer, whisking often, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in ½ cup of the cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Let stand, stirring often, until cooled.

-Arrange the bread slices on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toast the bread, turning once, until golden, about 10 minutes total. Remove from the oven.

-Preheat the broiler. Spread 4 bread slices with the mustard. Top each with 1 slice of ham and 1 Tbs. of the sauce, and then with the remaining bread slices. Spread the remaining sauce on the tops of the sandwiches, being sure to cover the edges. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plates and serve.