OPEN-FACED NY STRIP "PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS"

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Slice the baguette into 1/4-inch thick rounds, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet, and bake until crisp and lightly golden, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool in a single layer.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and peppers and cook, stirring often, until onions are golden brown and peppers are tender.
• Season steak with salt and pepper. In another large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook about 6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read meat thermometer registers 120 degrees F. Set aside to cool. Slice the steak "paper thin" (a slicer is great for this). Keep warm until ready to assemble.
• To assemble:
• Lay a slice of meat on each slice of baguette toast and top with 1 teaspoon of caramelized onions and peppers and a drizzle of the cheese sauce. Serve.
• Copyright 2005 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.
• Cheese Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon drained prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Freshly ground white pepper
• Pinch freshly ground nutmeg
• 1 cup grated yellow Cheddar
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon and cook stirring constantly in a figure 8, until pale yellow, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Add the Dijon, horseradish, salt, paprika, cayenne, white pepper, and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheeses. Set aside and keep warm.
• Yield: about 2 cups