Sweet Potato Soup And Croque Monsieur - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 tbsp butter, plus extra for spreading
1 None leek, white part only, sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 lb sweet potato, peeled, chopped
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
None None heavy cream and chopped fresh chives, to serve
None None FOR THE CROQUE MONSIEUR
1/2 None baguette, cut into 1/3 inch slices on a bias
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
3.5 oz sliced ham
2 slices Swiss cheese, quartered

Preparation

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Saute leek, celery and garlic for 3-4 mins, until tender. Add sweet potato and stock. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 mins, until tender. Puree soup until smooth then season to taste. Swirl in cream and sprinkle with chives to serve.
Meanwhile, to make the croque monsieur, spread butter over both sides of each slice of bread. Spread mustard over one side of each slice then sandwich together with ham and cheese. Just before serving, toast in a sandwich maker for 2-3 mins, until golden. Serve with the soup.