Croque Monsieur (Toasted Ham Sandwich)

Ingredients

• •3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• •1/3 cup flour
• •2 1/4 cups milk
• •Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• •Pinch of ground nutmeg
• •2 cups grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese
• •1/2 cup light-colored beer
• •4 slices French country bread (large round loaf)
• •4 slices ham

Directions

1. 1Start by making the Mornay sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. 2Add the flour, and mix briskly with a whisk for 2 minutes.
3. 3Still over low heat, add 2 cups of the milk, continuing to whisk briskly. When the sauce comes to a boil, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add 1/2 cup of the Gruyere to complete the Mornay.
4. 4Remove from the heat, and let cool.
5. 5Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of milk and the beer in a bowl. Add the remaining Gruyere to this liquid. Let soak for 2 minutes, then drain.
6. 6Top each slice of bread first with a slice of ham and then liberally with the Mornay sauce. Sprinkle with the soaked Gruyere, and cook in a toaster oven or under a broiler until golden brown.