Croque Madame
&
Alsatian Pinot Blanc

INGREDIENTS

• 1 wholemeal country loaf
• 8 slices of smoked ham
• 2 eggs
• 150g grated Comté
• rocket leaves
• 50g flour
• 50g butter
• 600ml milk
• cumin seeds
• grated nutmeg
• salt
• pepper

PREPARATION

1. Bechamel: Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon without letting it colour to thicken. Pour in the cold milk gradually, stirring constantly to make a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Leave to cool.
2. Preheat the oven at 190 °C.
3. Cut 8 even slices of the country bread. Place 4 slices in an ovenproof dish.
4. Sprinkle with a handful of cheese and some rocket leaves.
5. Spread the remaining 4 slices of bread with the béchamel sauce on each side and close each sandwich.
6. Place a layer of cheese on top and bake for 10 minutes to brown.
7. In the meantime, brown the ham slices for 1 minute on each side in a pan. Set aside.
8. Fry the eggs.
9. Remove the sandwiches from the oven. Place the ham on top of them, followed by the egg. Sprinkle with cumin.

Suggested accompaniment: Green salad, endive salad, raw seasonal vegetables.