Makes 4 servings

A classic croque monsieur, as I've enjoyed in bistros throughout France, is basically a ham and cheese sandwich made with crustless, buttered bread and pan-fried in butter. This updated version makes a complete hearty meal with family appeal, and it will make a nice treat. So easy that even the kids can prepare it. Serve extra honey mustard on the side and accompany the sandwiches with a salad of baby greens lightly dressed with a squeeze of lemon, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
Dash of salt and pepper
8 (½-inch) slices artisan bread, such as Vienna or Italian (from an oblong loaf)
4 teaspoons honey mustard
1 large tomato, cut into 8 thin slices
4 ounces thinly sliced deli smoked turkey or ham
4 slices (4 ounces) aged Swiss cheese (see Tip)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil

Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Set aside.

Spread one side of 4 bread slices with mustard. Top each with 2 tomato slices, 1 slice turkey, and 1 slice cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices.

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip both sides of each sandwich into the egg mixture. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, cheese-side down. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Depending on the size of your skillet, it may be necessary to cook 2 sandwiches at a time.

Slice the sandwiches in half and serve warm.