Croque Monsiuer

I've been lightly browsing through Julia Child's books since seeing the new movie, Julie and Julia, and discovered some recipes and ideas forgotten through the years. After a long, Canada goose filled and chasing walk with Scott this morning we skipped breakfast in favor of lunch. Up popped Julia.

Croque Monsieur is really a glorified, grilled, ham and cheese sandwich. We buttered two slices of bread and layered thin slices of mozzarella on top of one, added a layer of prosciutto, and another of cheese before topping with the second slice of bread. Off came the crusts and the then the sandwich was pressed together between a plate and a board. It then was sauteed in butter on both sides until the bread was crisp and crunchy and the mozzarella thoroughly melted into the ham. Two slices of tomato, a few cornichons and a pickled onion finished the plate.

There was a small glass of the white burgundy from below left over, but it did not fare well over night. There was also a glass of Chehalem 2006 reserve dry Riesling (Oregon) left in a bottle, and that paired great with the sandwich. Great acid and lemony taste cut through the richness of the cheese and ham. Good match - and even the cornichons didn't kill the Riesling.