Instructions: In a bowl stir together 1 cup of the Gruyere, mayonnaise, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste and spread the mixture, dividing it evenly, onto the bread slices, avoiding the crusts. Sandwich the ham between the bread slices to form 4 sandwiches. Remove the crusts with a sharp knife and spread the tops of the sandwiches with half the butter. Invert the sandwich into a large non stick skillet, spread the tops with the remaining butter, and cook the sandwiches over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the Gruyere is melted.

Transfer the sandwiches with a metal spatula to a baking sheet, sprinkle them with the remaining cheese, and broil them under a preheated broiler about 4 inches form the heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Variation:
For a Croque Madame, omit the ham, and sprinkle the remaining cheese between the bread instead of on top.

Yield: 4 sandwiches

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