'A SOUL IN BLOOM' ~ GRILLED CROQUE MONSIEUR/CROQUE MADAME

"If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. "

~ Terri Guillemets

Johnny Jump Up

Viola cornuta (Violaceae)

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GRILLED CROQUE MONSIEUR

~ French cousin of the American classic, grilled ham & cheese. The classic sandwich served in the early 1900s in French bistros requires a rich Bechamel sauce. Don't count the calories; enjoy the new twist for leftover Easter ham.

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8 slices rustic bread

8 oz. thinly sliced ham

1/2- 3/4 lb. thinly sliced Gruyere cheese

unsalted butter

Bechamel Sauce

(2 thick cups)

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter

6 Tbsp. flour

2 cup heated whole milk

pinch of coarse salt

1/2 tsp. white pepper

1/8 tsp. cayenne

2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

Melt butter over low heat until it bubbles. Add flour, whisking constantly for 2 minutes. Slowly add hot milk and whisk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in mustard, salt, white pepper, and cayenne.

Assemble: Heat Croque Monsieur griddle, panini pan, or griddle. Spread with Bechamel sauce on one side of bread. Top with ham and cheese. Cover with remaining bread and additional sauce. Generously butter both sides and grill on both sides until golden brown. (Serves 4)

CROQUE MADAME

~ 'MADAME' is basically the same as 'MONSIEUR', only topped with afried egg. Serve this yummy sandwich open-faced with additionalBechamel sauce, Gruyere cheese, and chopped chives or scallions. Pop under broiler until cheese melts.

Johnny-Jump-Up

Viola cornuta (Violaceae)

A compact annual or short-lived perennial, native to Spain and the Pyrenees Mountains. This variety has been used extensively in floral gardens and has escaped from cultivation to roadsides, fields and waste areas throughout much of the United States. The vibrant blooms are deep purple and yellow, creating a solid carpet of color for weeks. Prefers partial shade to full sun in rich, well-drained soil.

Average planting success with this species: 70%
Height: 7-10 inches
Germination: 14-21 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 65-75F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: March-August
Average seeds per pound: 408,000
Seeding rate: 4 lbs. per acre
Suggested use: Around the base of trees, flower beds, containers, borders.
Miscellaneous: Keeping the faded blossoms picked will prolong the blooming period.