Croque-Monsieur (Grilled Ham and Cheese)

Impress your family and friends with this Ritzy sounding grilled ham and cheese sandwich.  I used a loaf of French bread instead of the usual white sandwich bread.  These are fun to make and even more fun to devour!
 
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

4 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

6 slices white bread

6 slices Swiss cheese

12 slices thinly sliced deli ham

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Use 2 tablespoons of the butter to spread over one side of each slice of bread.  On three of the slices, spread a layer of Dijon mustard over the butter, and top each with 4 slices of ham.  On the other three, spread mayonnaise, and top each one with 2 slices of Swiss cheese.  Press ham and cheese sides of sandwiches together.

In a flat bottomed dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, and water until blended. Set aside.  Heat remaining butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Dip both sides of each sandwich in the egg mixture, and fry in the oil and butter until browned, flipping to brown on each side.