Are you fond of real eggs? I prefer the chocolate variety but I’m naughty!
Have you ever made a “Croque Madame”? You need to start by making some Bechamel sauce.
- For two people heat about 150mls of full cream milk until it simmers.
- Now melt in 20grs butter and stir into it 20 grs plain flour to form a paste and cook until it bubbles.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the milk to make a smooth sauce.
- Toast or fry four slices of bread.
- Then grate about 160 grs of cheese.
The next stage is the assembly which children enjoy helping to do!
- Take two slices of the prepared bread and cover with about 100grs cheese.
- Pour over half of the sauce and top with a slice of ham.
- Next top with another slice of bread and repeat with first the rest of the sauce and then the remainder of the cheese.
- It needs about 8 minutes under the grill, but watch to see when the cheese has melted.
- Now you have your “Croque Monsieur”.
- To turn it into a “Croque Madame” just pop a fried egg on top of each one!
I like a glass or two of wine with mine, but you may prefer a cup of tea or coffee.
To make a larger meal the French usually have chips on the side. To make a vegetarian Croque, just leave out the ham.
Bechamel sauce is a good one to make as it is so versatile. Add the grated cheese and melt it in the sauces so that it can be used for cauliflower cheese or a leek pie for example. Adding some tomato sauce to it makes it a pretty pink.
So many ideas, but no more room!
I wish all readers a Joyful Easter!
Esmé