Croque Monsieur

von Kimberly | Feb. 13, 2024 | 30 TO 60 MINUTES, BREAD, BRUNCH, CHEESE, COMFORT FOOD, CREAMY, DINNER, FRENCH, LUNCH, MARINADES & SAUCES, OMNIVORE, PORK

Croque Monsieur

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February 13, 2024 by Kimberly

Dive into the cheesy goodness of Croque Monsieur! This classic French sandwich brings a crispy, creamy delight to your table, perfect for any meal. A must-try!

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TOTAL TIME

50 min

SERVES

4 sandwiches

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Step into the world of French cuisine with the Croque Monsieur, a luxurious twist on the grilled cheese sandwich. Featuring ham and melted cheese nestled between slices of buttery bread, topped with a creamy Béchamel sauce and then grilled to perfection. This dish is not just food – it’s a culinary experience that transports you straight to the streets of Paris with every bite. Perfect for brunch or a comforting dinner!

Serve the Croque Monsieur fresh off the grill, with its cheese deliciously oozing and bread crisply toasted. Pair it with a light, tangy salad to cut through the richness, or enjoy it with a cup of hot soup for a heartier meal. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of Dijon mustard on the side for that authentic French flair.

To keep the Croque Monsieur’s delightful texture, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or on the stove to revive its crispy exterior and melty interior, ensuring it tastes just as fabulous.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Croque Monsieur

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Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 4

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Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

knife
cheese grater
large pan

Instructions

Prepare the Béchamel sauce.
Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F)
Grate the Gruyere and Emmental and mix together in a bowl.
Spread 1/2 teaspoon of butter on one side of each slice of bread and fry in the pan on the buttered side until crispy. Remove the bread from the pan.
The crispy side should now be on the bottom. Spread 1/4 teaspoon of Dijon mustard on the non-fried side of each slice of bread.
Place deli ham on each slice of bread on top of the mustard.
1 tbsp of Béchamel sauce and 50g (2 oz) of grated cheese are placed on top of the deli ham.
Now stack the slices as a double-decker that a total of 4 sandwiches are made from those 8 slices.
Place the 4 sandwiches on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese and sauce have melted and browned. Cut each croque monsieur in half with a sharp knife and divide between 4 plates. Serve with a fresh salad.

Passive Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min

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Bechamel Sauce

von Kimberly | Feb. 8, 2024 | CLASSICS, CREAMY, FRENCH, MARINADES & SAUCES, UP TO 30 MINUTES, VEGETARIAN

Béchamel Sauce

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February 13, 2024 by Kimberly

Discover the magic of Béchamel Sauce! This creamy, smooth classic is a culinary staple, perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

25 min

SERVES

6 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Embark on a culinary journey with the classic Béchamel Sauce, a cornerstone of French cuisine. This creamy, smooth sauce is not just a recipe – it’s a gateway to elevating your meals. Whether you’re dressing up a lasagna or making a rich, savory Croque Monsieur, Béchamel Sauce brings a touch of elegance and flavor to your dishes. It’s simple to whip up with just a few ingredients.

Pour it over vegetables for a comforting gratin, use it as a base for creamy pasta dishes, or layer it in lasagnas and moussakas for a moist, flavorful experience. It’s also perfect for creating a luxurious mac and cheese. The key is to let the sauce slightly thicken to coat your spoon, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your dish, enhancing every bite.

To keep your Béchamel Sauce fresh, cool it at room temperature before refrigerating in a tightly sealed container. It lasts up to 3 days.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Bechamel Sauce

Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 6

Print Recipe

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

small pot
whisk
small wooden spoon

Instructions

Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic clove and fry briefly in the butter. Remove the garlic clove.
Now add all the flour to the melted butter and stir quickly with a wooden spoon until smooth. The consistency should be like a paste. Remove the pot directly from the heat and stir in the first 100ml of milk with a whisk until smooth. Place the pan back on the stove and bring to a boil briefly, stirring constantly. Now remove the pot from the heat and pour in the next 100ml (3 fl oz) of milk. Stir well, place the pot back on the stove and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Now do the same with the next 3 rounds of 100ml (3 fl oz). Remove from the heat, pour in, stir, return to the stove, bring to the boil, remove from the heat and so on…
After about 20 minutes, the sauce should have a consistency similar to melted cheese. You should no longer be able to taste the flour. The sauce can now be removed from the heat and seasoned to taste. To do this, grate the nutmeg freshly and add 3/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Cook Time: 25 min

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Tarte Flambée

von Kimberly | Dez. 30, 2023 | 30 TO 60 MINUTES, CRISPY & CRUNCHY, DINNER, DOUGH, FRENCH, LUNCH, OMNIVORE, ONION, PORK

Tarte Flambée

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December 30, 2023 by Kimberly

A thin crust, full-bodied crème fraîche, spicy bacon and savory onions – the classic Alsatian tarte flambée.

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TOTAL TIME

60 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Indulge in the delectable charm of Tarte Flambée, a French classic celebrated for its crispy thin crust, creamy allure, and the delightful interplay of savory bacon and onions. Hailing from the picturesque Alsace region, this dish is a culinary masterpiece that elevates the dining experience with its unique blend of flavors.

This culinary delight pairs perfectly with a light salad or stands alone for a satisfying meal, bringing the essence of French cuisine to your table.

For later enjoyment, store any leftover Tarte Flambée in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in the oven. Avoid microwaving to maintain its crispy texture.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Follow along here & don’t forget to subscribe to my substack!

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Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions

von Kimberly | Dez. 20, 2023 | AUTUMN, BEEF, CHRISTMAS, COMFORT FOOD, DINNER, DINNER PARTY, FRENCH, OMNIVORE, ONION, OVER 120 MINUTES, POTATO, VEGETABLES, WINTER

Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions

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December 22, 2023 by Kimberly

A classic French dish, features tender beef slow-cooked in red wine, complemented by flavorful veggies. Served alongside velvety mashed potatoes and caramelized pearl onions for a truly indulgent dining experience.

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TOTAL TIME

3 hrs + 30 min

SERVES

6 portions

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

You know those meals that taste like love in a bowl? This one’s it. Rich, slow-cooked beef in a bold red wine sauce paired with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet, soft pearl onions – it’s the ultimate cozy dinner for when you’re feeling fancy but also need that comforting omg-this-is-so-good moment. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or just a random Tuesday when you’re feeling yourself, this dish is about to be your new fave.

Serve this beauty hot, right out of the pot. Pour that glossy, rich sauce over the creamiest mashed potatoes for a plate that’s basically edible therapy. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to scoop up all the saucy goodness. Pair it with a bold glass of red wine because it’s a whole vibe. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing dinner guests.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or wine to keep it saucy and delish. Pro tip: it tastes even better the next day because flavors get all cozy overnight.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!