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1
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
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2
Add the flour, and cook until foaming, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
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3
Continue to cook, stirring, until the cooking diminishes the flour taste, about 3 minutes.
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4
In a medium saucepan, warm milk.
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5
Slowly add warm milk to butter-flour mixture, stirring so that no lumps form.
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6
Bring mixture to a boil.
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7
Reduce heat to low, and cook 2 minutes more.
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8
Stir in half of grated cheese, and season to taste with salt, white pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne.
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9
Cook until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
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10
Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and set aside to cool.
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11
Toast the bread on both sides in a hot oven until golden brown.
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12
Arrange 4 pieces of toast on work surface, and spread with a small amount of sauce.
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13
Cover with a slice of cheese, slice of ham, and another slice of cheese.
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14
Top each sandwich with another piece of toast.
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15
Spread with additional bechamel sauce, and sprinkle each sandwich with remaining 1/2 cup grated cheese.
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16
Place sandwiches in an ovenproof pan brushed with butter, and bake in 450F oven until heated through, about 4 minutes.
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17
Transfer to broiler, and broil until golden brown and bubbly.
