Ham and Goat Cheese Croissant Sandwich

I had ordered these absolutely wonderful croissants from QVC. One week, the cooking host shared this recipe and it is a keeper!  The original recipe came from "KeyIngredient.com" (which I will definitely be keeping an eye on....some really good lookin' recipes there!).  I served it with a simple vegetable soup, so the focus would remain on the sandwich.

HAM and GOAT CHEESE CROISSANT SANDWICH (Serves 4)

4 croissants, baked and served lengthwise
8 tsp whole grain mustard
8 tomato slices
12 oz smoked ham, thinly sliced
2/3 cup gruyere cheese, shredded

 GOAT CHEESE and CHIVES BECHAMEL SAUCE

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
Pinch ground nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves
1 1/4 cup milk, heated
6 oz goat cheese, softened
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped

Preheat oven to 350F.

To prepare the bechamel sauce, warm the milk in a small saucepan; set aside.

Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in the flour, salt, white pepper, nutmeg, and cloves; cook, stirring constantly, until the mixtures cooks without browning, about 2 minutes.  Gradually add the warm milk and continue to stir as it thickens.  Allow the sauce to come to a boil and continue stirring for 2 more minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat, add the softened goat cheese and chives, and stir until the cheese is evenly incorporated and completely melted.  Keep warm

Assemble the sandwiches on a cookie sheet, and start by spreading 2 tsp of whole grain mustard on the bottom of each croissant.  Follow with an equal amount of ham and tomatoes and put the tops on each sandwich.  Sprinkle each sandwich with gruyerer cheese and bake for 5 minutes.

Turn on the broiler and broil the sandwiches for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.  Ladle the bechamel sauce over each sandwich and serve hot.