Gratin Of Belgian Endives

Ingredients:

6 Medium Belgian Endive -- cored
1 Lemon Lemon Juice
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
3 Cups Milk
1 1/2 Cups Gruyere Cheese -- grated
Pepper -- to taste
1 Pinch Nutmeg
8 Slices Boiled Ham

Procedures:

Put endives in saucepan with just enough water to cover. Add lemon juice and salt. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain but reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 1 minute. Add milk gradually stirring with a wire whisk, then add reserved cooking liquid. Cook, whisking to avoid getting any lumps. Let it simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese except a 1/4 cup. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Butter a glass baking dish Wrap each endive in a piece of ham. Pour sauce over endives and top with remaining cheese. Preheat the broiler. Bake 15 minutes and then finish the dish for 5 minutes under the to brown the cheese. Serve.