Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur is a lovely French-style light lunch sandwich. Traditionally made with lovely ham and cheese such as Emmental or Gruyère cheese, this I would say is a perfect option for a Lunch menu for a café or a coffee shop. While working at Blue Gum Country Estate,  just outside Stanford, I was introduced to this wonderful lunch item on our menu. This delicious Croque Monsieur sandwich, an “upper class” sandwich in my eyes, can be made with normal buttered bread, baked bread (to make it extra special) – but the crusts must be soft- or for a lady like idea, it can also be made with a croissant. In my opinion, the Gruyère cheese is definitely my favourite choice of cheese to use. Back then at Bluegum Estate, we had Kleinrivier cheeses just around the corner, which Gruyère cheese, as well as more choices we used for the daily evening cheese platters that went to the rooms. As a ham choice, I would strongly recommend a smoked ham (to give it more flavour) or Hickory ham. French ham is of course the best choice. Cooked ham is best, but not cured ham. It makes it way too salty. It is also great if you have a kitchen salamander, or a similar type of griller to grill the Croque Monsieur on, which you can off course see and to take out once good grilled on top. If using an oven for the grilling, make sure you keep an eye, you don’t want it to get too dark or even burn on top. And another good reason to love the French for their part of food history! Enjoy Apple Tarte Tartin afterwards.