Cookin’ with THE CHRONICLE

Okay, it’s nothing but a ham sandwich, a crunchy ham sandwich at that. But the French call it Croque Monsieur. It originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack. The name can be translated as “Mr. Crunch.”

To make the feminine verson, a Croque Madame, simply put a fried egg on top of the sandwich.

CROQUE MONSIEUR

8 slices white bread

Butter 4 thin slices cooked ham 4 thin slices Swiss cheese 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tablespoon water

Butter bread. Using 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of cheese for each, make 4 sandwiches, buttered side in. Combine eggs and water In a shallow dish. Preheat lightly greased griddle. Dip each sandwich in egg mixture, coating both sides. Brown on griddle or frying pan until cheese is melted and sandwiches are well browned on both sides. This will take 2 to 3 minutes