A quintessentially French bistro classic, this gooey, cheesy ham and cheese sandwich is heaven on bread to me. It has become somewhat of a "welcome home" ritual that helps me unwind and never fails to remind me of the evocative power of food. <br /> <br />How this dish became so popular and synonymous with French fare is easy to see. Croque monsieur is the unfussy side of French cuisine, simple and delicious high-quality ingredients elevated with a bit of technique. Since its creation in the early 1900s in a Paris bistro, it has stood the test of time in France’s food culture but also in mine. Croque monsieur has become my Proust’s madeleine moment and a way for me to reconnect with my childhood and all things French when I have been away for too long.

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