Croque Monsieur

We have officially reached adulthood. I have decided this. Last night, we went to the Verizon store to upgrade Will's phone and did all the adult things: picked out the phone he wanted (not necessarily whatever was cheapest), avoided the lure of the "EDGE" monthly payment "deal" on our bill (which any "deals" make me suspicious), avoided the overpriced case, tempered glass screen and car charger. We managed to simply leave with the new phone, appropriate case and even got money off for turning in Will's "old" but still working fine, phone. And we paid upfront (not scheme-y monthly deals) like it was no big thing. But it was a big thing! We did the adult things and it feels so good. It's certainly not like we're made of money, but having planned and anticipated for a couple months that we would be doing this, we had set aside the money in our budget (fellow 20-somethings: does the word budget scare you?) to allow for the upgrade at the beginning of February. How adult is that?!?!?! Sorry folks, just had to humblebrag that we have stumbled through what was truly our first year of adulthood since we got married and I became legit-employed, and have now come out on the other side with lessons learned, money saved and a feeling of conquering adult decisions. It's comforting to have finally made it here.

Now part of the reason we can go out and do adult things like that is because Will is a wonderful and innovative home chef, as evidenced by this blog. However, I must credit this recipe to my mother as another one that she wanted to tried with us. This was inspired by her new stove and the griddle feature - as Will is the family master chef, she invited him to try this simple yet classic French recipe on her new kitchen toy. Always game to help out in the kitchen, Will happily tested this recipe out and it was successful. There's nothing quite like a classic, hot French sandwich and this was spot on! Fairly simple to make and definitely tasty to eat, we present: Croque Monsieur.

Cooking Notes: This recipe called for reduced-fat ham and cheese, but I have typed it with the regular full-fat counterparts because really...why not give in to the good stuff?



Croque Monsieur (adapted from Cooking Light; serves 4)
4 1.5-oz. slices, fresh French bread
4 tsp honey mustard
6 oz. thinly sliced deli ham
4 1-oz. slices Swiss cheese
1/2 cup milk
3 large egg whites




Cut a slit in each bread slices to form a pocket and spread 1 tsp honey mustard into each bread pocket. Divide ham and cheese evenly among bread pockets. Combine milk and egg whites in shallow bowl, whisking until mixed well. Dip sandwiches, 1 at a time, in the milk mixture, turning to coat.

Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add 2 sandwiches, cooking 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Repeat procedure with remaining sandwiches and enjoy!