Croque-Madame

It may sound so foreign, however, a Croque-Madame is basically a ham and cheese sandwich. Originated in French, it actually is served as a quick snack; but I made this for breakfast instead. It's truly scrumptious and filling, just perfect to start my day! 

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 oz. Gruyere, grated
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- Pinch fresh-grated nutmeg
- 6 slices whole wheat bread
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 9 thin slices of Black Forest ham
- Canola oil
- 3 eggs

Directions:

- Preheat broiler.

- Make the Bechamel sauce: melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in flour and cook, about two minutes. Whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup of the Gruyere and Parmesan mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

- On a parchment-covered baking sheet, arrange three slices of bread. Spread with mustard and top with ham. Top with remaining Gruyere mixture. Melt under the broiler, approximately 2 minutes. Top with second slice of bread, top with Bechamel. Broil again, 3-4 minutes or until sauce is brown and bubbly.

- Meanwhile, fry the eggs in canola oil in a skillet over medium heat, until the whites are cooked, but the yolks are runny, about 3 minutes. Place eggs on top of sandwiches and serve immediately.