Classic Croque Monsieur

Have you ever been to France?  If you ever go, stop in a cafe and order a croque monsieur.  It is a great spin on a grilled cheese.  I have had some wonderful ones in cafes in Paris and some here in the States too.  Whenever I eat one, I think of my high school French teacher.  She passed away a few years ago but she had a way of speaking French like a native and she guided both of my trips to France.  I will make these, open a bottle of wine and offer a toast.

3 tbsp. mayonnaise
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
8 slices firm white bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
8 slices smoked ham
1 tbsp. butter or margarine
3 eggs
1/2 C. milk

Heat oven to 450 degrees.  Mix mayo and mustard; spread onto 4 bread slices.  Cover with cheese, ham and remaining bread slices.  Place butter in 15x10x1 inch pan.  Place in oven 1 to 2 minutes or until butter is melted.  Meanwhile whisk eggs and milk in pie plate until well blended.  Dip each sandwich in egg mixture then place in buttered pan.  Pour any egg mixture over sandwiches.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until sandwiches are golden brown on both sides, turning after 5 minutes.

When dipping sandwiches, let each sandwich soak in egg mixture about 30 seconds to absorb as much of the egg mixture as possible.