Try this Hot and Hearty Sandwich for Dinner

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By David Hu
A new video for Video Friday

Much as I try to cook dinner most weekday evenings, sometimes I’m too tired or there’s not quite enough time. In these instances, sandwiches tend to be one of my go-to meals: quick and usually made with pantry-stocked ingredients.

I try to make a hot sandwich because it seems a little more dinner-like and more satisfying. Today’s video recipe is a take on the classic French Croque Monsieur. Some Croque Monsieurs require broilers but this one’s made easily on stovetop. From start to finish you’ll be eating in under 10 minutes. It goes great with a green salad.

Here are some of our other sandwich-for-dinner favorites:

• Avocado BLT – The healthy avocado replaces the mayo in this flavorful sandwich.
• Grilled Cheese and Tomato with Tomato Chutney – The tomato chutney pairs exceptionally well with the cheese to add a burst of extra flavor.
• Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Cucumber Salad – Instead of pulled pork, try these pulled chicken sandwiches. They’re easy, economical and tasty!
• American Deli Dinner – Smoked salmon sandwich is hearty enough for breakfast, lunch or dinner; perfect when it’s too hot to cook.
• Moussaka “Sandwiches” – This variation will halve the time required to make traditional moussaka, while maintaining the great flavor.
• Spicy Black Bean Burgers – This vegetarian burger has remarkable flavor and texture from the combination of minced veggies, chile, cumin and crunchy toasted seeds. Turn burgers over gently to keep them from breaking apart.

To get the recipe and shopping list on your smartphone (iPhone, BlackBerry, Android device) or PC, click here.

Easy Croque Monsieur

2 slices crusty artisan bread
Dijon mustard (optional)
2 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or any other cheese you have on hand
2 slices deli ham
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
Salt and pepper to tastev 2 teaspoons butter

Spread Dijon mustard on each slice of bread. Assemble sandwich in this order: layer one slice of bread mustard-side up, top with a slice of cheese, the two slices of deli ham and one more slice of cheese and top with the remaining slice of bread, mustard-side down.

Whisk together egg, milk, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl and set aside.

Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pan. While the butter is melting, carefully dip each side of the sandwich in the egg mixture and place in the warm sauté pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the sandwiches and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. Cut sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Makes 1 serving.

Recipe by Marilyn Hunter

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