I love them! The Monte Cristo is probably my favorite breakfast/brunch beside eggs Benedict.
3 slices bread (thin slices are great for pan frying and thick slices or french bread slices work great for deep frying)
butter (lots of it!)
1 slice of ham
1 slice of turkey (some may prefer slices of chicken )
2 slices Swiss cheese
1 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
Confectioner's sugar
Jelly or Syrup (I like rasberry jam)
For each sandwich use 3 slices of bread. Butter one side of bread first, then cover with a slice of ham and a slice of turkey or chicken. Butter both sides of the second slice of bread . Place on top of turkey or ham slice and top with 2 thin slices of cheese. Butter third slice for top; press sandwich lightly and trim crusts. Cut into halves diagonally and secure with toothpicks.
(if you do this with only two bread slices per sandwich, layer it cheese, meats, cheese, so that the cheese helps hold everything together when it melts)
Beat eggs with milk and salt. Dip sandwich halves into the egg mixture and fry on a hot skillet or griddle in butter or margarine. Brown on all sides, adding more butter, as needed. If deep frying is preferred, be sure to have the oil at least 400 degrees, and use a deep pan or fryer, then fry until browned and crisp. Remove toothpicks before serving. Sprinkle a dusting of confectioner's sugar on top.
Serve with the jelly, jam or syrup on the side for dipping
