Endives And Ham Au Gratin - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 thin slices cooked ham
8 whole endives
5 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. butter
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 c. cold water
1/4 c. flour
2 1/2 c. milk
salt and freshly ground pepper
1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
cayenne pepper or Tabasco to taste
1/4 lb. ground grated Gruyere cheese (1 1/2 c.)
2 egg yolks

Preparation

Wash endive in cold water and drain.
Butter heavy skillet in which endive will fit in one layer.
Sprinkle pan with a little salt and arrange endive in pan.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with lemon juice and add the 1/2 cup of water.
Cover tightly and cook 30 minutes.
Watch carefully that liquid does not boil away.
Preheat oven to 425\u00b0.
Place the ham slices on a flat surface.
Place on each slice a braised endive.
Roll the ham slices to enclose the endive.
Secure with a toothpick.