8 sl White bread, crusts removed
1/4 pn Butter, softened
4 sl Ham
4 sl Thin natural gruyere
2    Eggs, slightly beaten
1 tb Water
Dash of salt and freshly
Grounded pepper

Spred the bread with some of the softened butter, make 4 sandwiches, each
with one slice of ham and one of cheese. Press firmly together. Beat the
eggs and water, salt and pepper and dip the sandwiches into the egg
mixture, coating all sides well. Heat the rest of the butter in a heavy-
bottomed skillet; when it is bubbly but not yet browned, fry the
sandwiches, turning once. Serve immediatly, (if you prefer although it is
not traditionnally done, you may place the croque-monsieur into a very
well-buttered baking pan and bake in a moderately hot oven– 350 d.F.–
turning once. It is easier to prepare a larger number this way and keep
them warm till ready to serve.)