Make It :: Croque Monsieur

I know by now you've all probably seen It's Complicated and fawned over it's gorgeous sets on all of the design blogs.

And laughed (a lot) at the hilarious Meryl and Alec.

But now let's get down to something super important. Seriously, how yummy did all of the food look in that flick? Her darling bakery with the all of the breakfast goodies, yum and gorge. But the the big moment for me came when she made the Croque Monsieur and served it with a frisee salad. I was ready to run out of the movies and make one myself.

I haven't done it yet but it's on the books to try.

Croque Monsieur

{recipe via Epicurious}

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 bay leaf
4 slices firm white sandwich bread
4 ounces thinly sliced Black Forest ham
4 ounces sliced Gruyère cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Add nutmeg and bay leaf. Increase heat to medium-high and boil until sauce thickens, whisking constantly, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat broiler. Place 2 bread slices on work surface. Top each with half of ham and sliced Gruyère. Top with remaining bread. Heat heavy large skillet over low heat. Brush sandwiches with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Add to skillet and cook until deep golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to small baking sheet. Spoon sauce, then grated cheese over sandwiches. Broil until cheese begins to brown, about 2 minutes.

{images from Traditional Home, Greige and Sugar and Spice by Celeste}