Ham, Apple & Cheddar Crêpes

All the elements of the recipe can be prepared a day in advance and gently warmed before assembling.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crêpes
1 3/4 cups 2% milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 cups ham, shredded and warmed
1 Granny Smith apple, halved, cored and thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% milk
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

Cooking Directions:

1. For Crêpes: Pour the milk, butter, eggs and salt in a blender. Mix until well combined. Add the flour. Mix for 15 to 20 seconds or until smooth. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Heat an 8-inch crêpe pan or a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat well with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter into the pan, swirl to fully cover the bottom of the pan. Cook for 1 minute or until crêpe begins to curl around the edges. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds or until set. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with additional cooking spray and remaining batter. Layer cooked crêpes between pieces of wax paper to prevent sticking.
3. To Assemble: Lay a crêpe on a clean work surface. Arrange a few slices of apple on a quarter of the crêpe; top with shredded ham. Fold the crêpe in half to cover the filling and fold in half again to create a triangular shape. Repeat with remaining crêpes, apple and ham. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and hold in a warm oven until ready to serve or up to 30 minutes.
4. For Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan set over medium heat. Stir in the flour until well coated. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until pale and smooth. Whisk in the milk, a splash at a time, until smooth; stir in the mustard, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. Remove from heat. Whisk in the cheese, a small handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
5. Place filled crêpes on each plate. Spoon warm cheese sauce over each serving and sprinkle with chives.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 550 calories; Protein: 36 grams; Fat: 25 grams; Sodium: 580 milligrams; Cholesterol: 240 milligrams; Saturated Fat: 14 grams; Carbohydrates: 37 grams; Fiber: 2 grams.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of National Pork Board.