What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
"A Monte Cristo is a fried ham and/or turkey sandwich."
Origins
"The Monte Cristo is a variation of the French croque-monsieur. In the 1930s-1960s, American cookbooks had recipes for this sandwich under such names as French Sandwich, Toasted Ham Sandwich, and French Toasted Cheese Sandwich."
The sandwich was popular in Southern California by the 1950's.
"The sandwich can differ regionally. Traditionally it is dipped in its entirety in batter and deep fried. In some regions of the United States it is served grilled, and in some regions it is served as an open sandwich with just the bread battered. It can also be served as an open sandwich using french toast as a base, with the ham, turkey and cheese piled and then heated slightly under a broiler."
• 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed (some like shallow frying in butter)
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices white bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices turkey
• 4 slices ham
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat 5 inches of oil in a deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C). While oil is heating, make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper; whisk into the egg mixture until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator.
2. Assemble sandwiches by placing one slice of turkey on one slice of bread, a slice of ham on another, then sandwich them with the Swiss cheese in the middle. Cut sandwiches into quarters, and secure with toothpicks.
3. Dip each sandwich quarter in the batter so that all sides are coated. Deep fry in the hot oil until golden brown on all sides. Remove toothpicks and arrange on a serving tray. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.
Served with a Dipping Sauce
"The sandwich is often served with fresh fruit or with clotted cream on the side. It is sometimes served with fruit preserves, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or sweet mustard sauce."
Some people like Dijon Mustard Dipping Sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Current Dipping Sauce
• mix currant jelly , water and heavy cream."
Raspberry Preserves are also popular
Serve with raspberry preserves, pickle garnish and your
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Photo Description: "The Monte Cristo sandwich is a turkey, ham, and swiss cheese sandwich, lightly battered and fried to a golden brown. The specialty is available at the Blue Bayou Restaurant and Cafe Orleans in Disneyland park, in Anaheim, CA."
See also:
• Croque-monsieur
External Link:
Shop Bread Related:
The perfect Sweet and Savory combination!
The first time I ate this sandwich was at Bennigans Restaurant- It was served to me with blackberry preserves and sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar- Delishioussssss!
Now I cook this sandwich at home and my favorite dipping sauce is a homemade mixed-fruit berry sauce! No seeds!
Pineapple preserves is not bad either, goes great with ham:)
Pam, webmaster
