Swiss Cheese Croute Food

CROQUE-MONSIEUR

Steps:

• Use 2 tablespoons of the butter to spread over one side of each slice of bread. On three of the slices, spread a layer of Dijon mustard over the butter, and top each with 4 slices of ham. On the other three, spread mayonnaise, and top each one with 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Press ham and cheese sides of sandwiches together.
• In a flat bottomed dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, and water until blended. Set aside.
• Heat remaining butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip both sides of each sandwich in the egg mixture, and fry in the oil and butter until browned, flipping to brown on each side.

SWISS CHEESE CROUTE

Steps:

• Toast the bread slices.
• Cut the garlic clove in half and rub each half on one of the toasted bread slices.
• Sprinkle the brandy over the bread slices.
• Cover the bread slices with the cheese. Place on a sheet pan and place in a 350 degree oven until the cheese melts (about 5 minutes).
• Top each slice with some fresh cracked black pepper and serve hot with sliced cucumbers.

FILET DE BOEUF EN CROUTE

Steps:

• Trim any fat from the steaks, sprinkle with pepper, spread tops of each with 1 Tbl butter.
• In shallow roasting pan, bake in pre-heated oven, buttered side up, at 425º for 10 minutes.
• Place in fridge til cold.
• Roll out puff pastry a little and cut in half.
• Spread steaks with garlic, top with cheese.
• Place cheese side down onto center of pastry squares, fold pastry over, moisten edges and seal well.
• Place seam-side down onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Prick top with a fork, cover with plastic wrap, and re-chill for 1 hour.
• Beat egg with oil, and brush pastry with it.
• Bake in center of pre-heated 425º oven for 25 minutes for med-rare.
• Serve with horseradish sauce if desired.
• Serves 2.

CHEESE CROUTES

Steps:

• On rimmed baking sheet, lightly toast bread in 500F oven, turning halfway through cooking time, about 6 minutes.
• Remove from oven; sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of the wine.
• In large bowl, beat egg, egg yolk, garlic, flour and cayenne until smooth. Whisk in remaining wine; mix in cheese.
• Top bread with cheese mixture; sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.
• Return to oven; bake until golden, about 10 minutes.