MINI CROQUES-MONSIEUR SANDWICHES

Makes 24 servings.

8 slices good sandwich bread

8 thin slices cheese (see note)

4 slices ham

Dijon mustard

Unsalted butter, softened

Fresh black pepper

Toothpicks

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Arrange four slices of bread on a cutting board. On each slice, place one slice of cheese, one slice of ham and finally another slice of cheese. Brush some dijon mustard on top of the cheese, and seal the sandwich with another slice of bread. Brush both sides of each of the four sandwiches generously with butter. Place them on a baking sheet, and cook in the heated oven until they develop a golden brown crust, about 12 minutes. Remove and cool for 5 minutes.

With a sharp knife trim the crusts. Slice each sandwich into six small rectangles. Sprinkle them with black pepper, and stick a toothpick in the crust for easy handling.

NOTE: Use any Alpine cheese, including Swiss, Jarlsberg or Gruyere.