Croque Madam

To make the bechamel – melt the butter in a small saucepan, whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 mins. Add the milk and bay leaf, stir as the sauce thickens and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the Comte cheese and mustard, and let the sauce cool.

Heat oven to 180◦C. Place four slices of bread on a flat surface, top each with 2 or 3 slices of ham and bechamel sauce, and a slice of Gruyere cheese. Complete with another slice of bread. Heat a large skillet, and when hot, add remaining butter and brown each sandwich on both sides. Place sandwiches on a baking tray and place in the oven to keep warm and melt the cheese.

To make the sandwich a Madam – fry 4 eggs and top each sandwich, and serve immediately. A Croque Monsieur has no egg.