Celebrity chef Marc Murphy was a guest on CBS New York Thursday morning (September 19), where he whipped up the classic, French, open-faced sandwich known as the croque monsieur. He took a moment to remind viewers of the upcoming Le Taste of France show, the city’s premiere, two-day exhibition showcasing French cuisine, French products, and the French lifestyle. Below, you’ll find a copy of Murphy’s recipe for croque monsieur.

For more information on Le Taste of France (September 29-30), check out the event’s very own website at LeTasteOfFrance.com.

CROQUE MONSIEUR (Serves 4)

1. Prepare the béchamel sauce. (Makes 1 1/3 cups.)
   1. Prepare 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk (heated), and 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg.
   2. Melt butter in a small saucepan.
   3. Combine with flour and cook, stirring continuously over low heat for about 10 minutes.
   4. Add milk and nutmeg.
   5. Whisk until smooth.
   6. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   7. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the sandwich.
   1. Prepare 4 1-inch slices of country bread, 12 thin slices of black forest ham, ½ pound gruyere (grated), ½ cup béchamel sauce, freshly ground pepper to taste.
   2. Place three slices of ham on each slice of bread.
   3. Top with a thin layer of béchamel.
   4. Sprinkle gruyere equally on each open-faced sandwich.
   5. Season with pepper to taste.
   6. Place under the broiler until the cheese has melted and slightly browned.

*Tip: for a croque madam, top with a fried egg!

Food Recipes CBS, croque-monsieur, French Cuisine, Le Taste of France, Marc Murphy