NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Celebrity Chef Marc Murphy stopped by the CBS 2 studios to cook up the French classic Croque Monsieur and discuss Le Taste of France, New York’s first ever two day exhibition dedicated to French cuisine and the French way of life. It takes place Sept. 29-30.

For more information about Le Taste of France, click here.

Click here for printable version of this recipe (.pdf)

CROQUE MONSIEUR/MADAME

Chef Marc Murphy
Serves 4

Béchamel

• makes1 1/3 cups
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons al purpose flour
• 2 cups milk, heated
• 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Preparation

• Melt butter in a small sauce pot.  Add flour and cook , stirring constantly, over low heat, about 10 minutes.  Add milk and nutmeg, whisking until smooth.   Simmer  20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Cool and set aside

Sandwich

• 4 1-inch thick slices country bread
• 12 thin slices black forest ham, about 1/2 pound
• 1/2 pound gruyere, grated, about 2 cups
• 1/2 cup béchamel
• freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

• Place three slices of ham on each slice of bread.  Top with a thin layer of béchamel.  Sprinkle gruyere equally on top of each sandwich.  Season with ground black pepper.  Place under the broiler until cheese is melted and golden brown.

For Croque Madam, top with a fried egg.