Le Croque-Monsieur

There is really no adequate English translation of this classic and universal French snack It means, literally, “A Crackly Tidbit For Mister.” The French, however, with a refreshing absence of male chauvinism, also have a slightly more luscious, more sensuous, softer version called Croque-Madame. Perhaps, in truth, this very French version of fried bread is the original of that all-American breakfast specialty with the inexplicable name of “French toast.”