FRENCH HAM AND CHEESE

KITCHEN BOSS'S FRENCH HAM & CHEESE

Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Few gratings of nutmeg
1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded (separated)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
12 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
1/3 cup honey mustard
1/2 pound Black Forest ham, or Cappacola, sliced
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

To make cheese sauce:
Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. When butter has finished bubbling and is slightly brown, add the flour. Stir with a whisk for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and stir until smooth. Add the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thickened, 3-5 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, shredded white cheddar and the Parmesan and set aside.
To toast the bread, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Turn each slice and bake for another 2 minutes, until toasted.
Lightly brush half the toasted breads with honey mustard, add a slice or two of ham to each, and sprinkle with half the remaining white cheddar. Top with another piece of toasted bread. Slather the tops with the cheese sauce and bake the sandwiches for 5 minutes.
Turn on the broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned. Serve hot.