Monte Cristo Sandwiches

Recently Time Inc. sent me a copy of the new All You Eat Well Save Big cookbook to check out.  The book features 148 dinner recipes that are all under $2.50 per serving.  There are even several recipes are under $1 a serving.  The list price of the book is $14.97 but can be purchased at Walmart for $12.  The book also includes $6 worth of coupons in it too.

So as I looked through the cookbook I found several recipes I wanted to try like Tortilla Pie and Parmesan Pork Cutlets. However,  I decided to start with Monte Cristo Sandwiches.  They are quick, easy and were listed as $1.82 per serving.  If you have never had a Monte Cristo before they are basically a combination of french toast and a grilled sandwich.  You put Swiss cheese, ham and turkey in between 2 pieces of bread, dip it in an egg batter,  and cook in a frying pan.  Then you sprinkle it with a little powdered sugar and serve it with raspberry jam to dip in.   So yummy!  I have had them at restaurants before but never had then at home.

I did make a slight change to the original recipe.  The family loved them.  It was a fun and easy dinner plus it was budget friendly.  I will now be making my Monte Cristo sandwiches at home.

Monte Cristo Sandwiches

• 2  large eggs
• 1/2  cup  milk
• 8  slices sturdy white sandwich bread
• 8  slices turkey breast
• 4  slices Swiss cheese
• 8  slices Black Forest or other ham
• 1  tablespoon  unsalted butter
• Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
• 1/4  cup  raspberry or strawberry jam (optional)

1. In a wide, shallow bowl, beat eggs and milk to combine.
2. Lay a slice of bread on a work surface and top with 2 slices turkey, 1 slice cheese, 2 slices ham and a second slice of bread. Repeat to assemble remaining sandwiches.
3. Warm a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Melt butter (if pan is not large enough to accommodate all 4 sandwiches, melt half of butter and cook sandwiches in 2 batches). When butter sizzles, swirl pan to coat.
4. Carefully dip each sandwich in egg mixture, turning to lightly coat both sides.  Shake off excess egg mixture.  Leaving too much on will make them soggy.  Just give each side a light dip in the mixture.  Lay sandwiches in hot pan. Cook, turning once, until sandwiches are well-browned on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes total.
5. To serve, cut sandwiches in half diagonally and sprinkle lightly with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Top each sandwich half with a small dollop of jam, or serve jam alongside for dipping.

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