Monte Cristo Sandwich

Back when I was a cute young thing, I would go to lunch with with my mom, aunts and cousins. We would always have the best time. There was much laughing and talking. We had many favorite restaurants, but one of my favorites was Claire’s in Edmonds. I can’t even tell you if it’s still open. I can tell you that when it was, they made the very best Monte Cristo Sandwiches on the planet.

I don’t know if anyone still makes Monte Cristos, but you’re missing a great opportunity if they are available and you don’t have one.

3 slices white bread

Mayonnaise, as needed

2 slices Gouda or any cheese you prefer

2 slices ham

3 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Serving suggestion: Raspberry jam. All the recipes I saw on line said blackberry; they were wrong.

Directions

On a work surface, lay out 2 slices of bread and spread with mayonnaise or butter. Top each slice with the 1 slice of Gouda or Gruyere and 1 slice of ham, depending how thick it is. Put the third slice of bread on top of one stack, and flip the remaining stack on top, cheese-side down, to make a triple-decker sandwich.
Combine the eggs and milk in a bowl. Heat the oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip it in the egg batter, to coat evenly. Gently place it in the skillet, and fry, turning once, until golden brown and hot, about 5 minutes total.

Cut the Monte Cristo in 1/4’s, transfer it to a plate.

* From the Recipe Box:

As much as I love bread, a triple decker sandwich is jus too much for me. I would never order a club sandwich either.

and remember: Keep on being you. Keep on doing those beautiful impactful honest things you do out here in this crazy world. We need more people like you. Big Kiss, Lynn