Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Fried Ham and Cheese Sandwich: A.K.A. The Monte Cristo

The Monte Cristo Sandwich combines French toast with a ham and cheese sandwich.  It is the American version of the French croque-monsieur, which is also a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.  Regional variations include turkey, Cheddar or Gruyere cheese instead of Swiss, dipping sauce and of course:  To powdered sugar or not to powdered sugar?  That is the question.  We're The Devilish Dish, of course we powdered sugar.  And we serve warmed raspberry jam for dipping.  Why have a "fried ham and cheese" sandwich when you can have a "Monte Cristo"?
The Monte Cristo Party
Spread 4 slices of Texas toast evenly
with mustard.  Do you think in Texas
they just call it toast?
Top mustard with a slice of Swiss cheese,
then a layer of ham.
Next add a layer of turkey.
Top turkey with remaining slices of Swiss cheese.

Top with remaining slices of bread
to form 4 sandwiches.

Whish together eggs, milk, salt,
pepper and nutmeg.
Warm raspberry jam in a saucepan
over low heat.
Melt butter on a griddle over medium heat.
Dip sandwiches in egg mixture. 
Coat both sides well and place on griddle. 
Grill 4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Serve with warmed raspberry jam for dipping. 
YUM!

Monte Cristo Sandwich
8 slices Texas Toast bread
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
1/2 pound Black Forest ham, thinly sliced
1/2 pound roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3 tablespoons butter
powdered sugar
1 jar raspberry jam

Spread 4 slices of bread evenly with mustard.  Top each with 1 slice of cheese.  Next layer on ham, then turkey.  Cover with remaining cheese.  Top with remaining slices of bread to form 4 sandwiches.  In a shallow dish, whisk together:  eggs, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg.  Empty raspberry jam into a small sauce pan over low heat.  Allow to warm until jam becomes sauce-like.  Melt butter on a griddle over medium heat.  Dip sandwiches in egg mixture to coat well on both sides.  Place sandwiches on griddle and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.  Cut each sandwich in half.  Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warmed raspberry jam for dipping.  Serve immediately.

Prep Time:  Approximately 15 minutes     Cook Time:  Approximately 8 minutes

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