Satiating Treats

I just made this meal the other night. It is so good. I learned how to make it when I attended a cooking class through William Sonoma. The cheese is really rich, so if you like cheese, you will like this meal. Look for the Gruyère cheese in the fancy cheese section in your grocery store.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 6 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 2 Cups of Milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Ground nutmeg, to taste
• Loaf of country-style bread, sliced
• 1/2 lb or more of sliced ham
• 1/2 lb or more of Gruyère cheese

Directions:

For the bèchamel:

1. In a 2 quart sauce pan over low heat, melt butter.
2. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture smells nutty and fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Increase heat to medium, bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.

Cover a baking sheet with foil and place the bread slices on the sheet. Layer the ham evenly on the bread. For each sandwich, spread 1-2 Tbs. of the bèchamel over the ham. Sprinkle the shreaded cheese evenly over the bèchamel. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts evenly and browns slightly. Serve immediately.

Tags: dinner //