Wake Up Call Recipe

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, finely minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, honey (if using) and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust heat or salt as desired. Cover and refrigerate while you finish the sandwiches so flavors meld (at least 10 minutes).

Prepare croissants

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice croissants horizontally but not all the way through if preferred; otherwise fully split. Place on a baking sheet cut-side up and toast in the oven 4–6 minutes until lightly crisp and warmed. Remove and set aside.

Cook eggs

In a medium bowl crack the 4 eggs and whisk lightly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. When butter melts and is foamy, pour half the egg mixture into the pan to make a large folded/scrambled patty roughly the size of a croissant interior. Cook slowly, stirring gently, until just set but still moist (2–3 minutes). Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, repeat with the remaining egg mixture to make the second egg portion. Alternatively, cook as thin folded omelettes for each sandwich.

Warm ham and melt cheese

Return the croissants to the oven for 1 minute with the oven set to broil low (or toaster oven) if you want extra crisp. Meanwhile, in a second skillet over medium heat, warm the black forest ham slices for 30–45 seconds per side until just heated and slightly caramelized. Place two warmed ham slices on the bottom half of each toasted croissant, top each with a cooked egg portion, then place two slices of cheddar cheese on top of the eggs. If you prefer the cheese melted, place the assembled bottoms under the oven broiler for 20–40 seconds until cheese softens and bubbles—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Assemble

Spread about 1 tablespoon of chipotle mayo on the inside of each croissant top (adjust to taste). Place croissant tops over the melted-cheese layer. Press gently, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately while warm.