Recipes, and Mom: A lunch holiday.
Yes, today is National Love Your Lunch Day, September 19. Does anyone NOT love lunch?
I wish I’d made this. It’s a stock photo, but doesn’t it make you want to start cooking?
My lunch, at this point in my life, is largely whatever is in the refrigerator. I’m not proud of that fact, but it’s true. I also don’t eat lunch very often, usually only when I will be out of the house for the day working. Consequently, I had to think about a different time in my life when lunch was a regular part of my day: childhood.
My mom was a caterer, and cooking was her passion. One of her favorite things to make for lunch was Croque Monsieur. I imagine you are thinking this is a pretty fancy lunch for a kid, and I suppose it was. But for me, it was a yummy lunch lovingly made by my mom.
I haven’t eaten it in a long time. But since it’s a national celebration, I’m going to make it today. It’s so easy!
Spread two slices of your favorite (white) bread with a béchamel sauce. (Don’t panic. It is a simple sauce.)
Lay slices of ham and a generous amount of cheese—Gouda is my favorite, but use whatever works for you—Gruyère or Swiss are also good choices.
Top with the remaining slice of bread. Add more cheese to the top of the sandwich, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake at 400 degrees just until the cheese melts. For added flavor, toast it under your broiler until bubbly and golden.
