Baguette

Available from The Boulanger Bakery Counter at Arkadia Foodstore Portomaso

Baguettes, the iconic French bread, are a culinary delight celebrated worldwide. These slender, elongated loaves are a testament to the artistry of French baking. Their crisp, golden-brown crusts contrast beautifully with the soft, airy crumb within, creating a sensory experience that's simply unmatched.

The magic of baguettes lies in their simplicity – just flour, water, salt, and yeast – yet the process of crafting the perfect baguette is a true feat of expertise. Meticulous kneading and precise fermentation times are essential to develop the distinct flavour and texture that make baguettes so special.

Baguettes are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a smear of butter, used as a base for mouthwatering sandwiches, or torn into pieces to accompany soups and stews. Their role in French cuisine, from classic croque-monsieurs to the beloved jambon-beurre, cements their status as a culinary treasure.

Whether you're strolling along a Parisian boulevard or savouring one at home, the baguette's role in elevating everyday meals to gourmet experiences is undeniable, making it a cherished symbol of French gastronomy.

Recipe: Croque Monsieur

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the Croque Monsieur:

• 1 baguette, cut into four equal pieces
• 8 slices of ham
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and white pepper to taste

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. To start preparing the béchamel sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until it turns a pale golden colour.

2. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

3. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and white pepper, and remove from the heat.

4. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius.

5. Slice each piece of baguette in half, horizontally. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each half and place 2 slices of ham on the bottom half of each piece. Spoon a generous amount of béchamel sauce over the ham and sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese on top of the sauce before closing the sandwiches with the top half of the baguette.

6. Place the assembled croque monsieur on a baking sheet and spread a small amount of butter on top of each sandwich.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the sandwich is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.

8. Let the croque monsieurs cool for 1-2 minutes before serving with a side salad or pickles. You can sprinkle some extra grated Gruyère on top.

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