Luiric Rarebit

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon English or Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup strong dark ale
• 1 pound mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 to 6 slices rye bread, depending on size of loaf
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Instructions

1. Preheat the broiler on high with the oven rack set 6 inches from the heating element. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat,. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly until golden brown and nutty, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the mustard, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Whisk in the dark ale until the mixture is uniform and smooth. Decrease the heat to low and stir in three-quarters of the cheese. Continue to stir until completely smooth. Remove from the heat.
3. Arrange the bread on the prepared baking sheet and broil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the slices over. Spread a thick layer of the cheese sauce onto the untoasted side of the bread and sprinkle the remaining quarter of the cheese evenly over the top. Return the baking sheet to the broiler and cook until the cheese is bubbling and edges of the toast are browned and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Slice each piece in half and top with the chives. Serve at once.