Welsh Rarebit

Ingredients

• 4 thick slices sourdough or bloomer bread
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 120ml brown ale or stout
• 250g mature cheddar, freshly grated
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon English mustard
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 egg yolk

Before you cook

• Grate the cheddar cheese.
• Preheat the broiler.

Steps

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute without browning.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the ale until smooth.
4. Return the pan to low heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard and cayenne.
5. Add the grated cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the egg yolk.
7. Let the mixture cool slightly until thick and spreadable.
8. Lightly toast the bread slices.
9. Spread the cheese mixture thickly over each slice, right to the edges.
10. Place the slices under the hot broiler for 3 minutes until bubbling and golden in spots.
11. Serve immediately.