A Winter Warm-Up gathering is all about comfort food.
We want the aromas of rich, decadent courses filling our home, and creating the perfect atmosphere for a long evening of great conversation.
As guests finish their welcome cocktails and slowly move on from delicious canapés, it's time to start the seated portion of the meal. The first course will make you feel like you just came in from skiing: Ham + Béchamel Baked Tomatoes (page 153 of Eatertainment). Sebastien's mother passed this classic winter dish down to us and is a family favourite. Not to mention that it seamlessly fits into this winter theme!
Ingredients (serves 6):
6 ripe medium-sized beefsteak tomatoes
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded Emmental cheese
1 tsp smooth Dijon mustard
Black pepper
8oz Black Forest ham, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
How-to:
1, Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each tomato so that it sits flat. Cut the tops off of the tomatoes and set aside.
3. Hollow out the tomatoes, removing most of the flesh and seeds, but be careful not to scoop out all the flesh and hit the skin. Place the tomatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Melt the butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in the flour 1 tbsp at a time until fully incorporated. Slowly add the milk in a steady stream whisking, continuously until the sauce is totally smooth. Cook this béchamel for 2 minutes, still whisking, then stir in the Emmental. Add the Dijon and season to taste with pepper. Add all the ham to the béchamel. Stir to combine, then remove from the heat.
5. Spook the béchamel-ham filling into the hollowed-out tomatoes and bake until the top of the filling is golden brown and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.
And voilà! The perfect starter on a cold evening to warm your guests from the inside out!
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