Original 1949 Brown Derby Cookbook Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipes

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH RECIPE

Steps:

• Soften 1 tablespoon of butter and very lightly butter one side of two slices of the bread, and both sides of the third slice of bread. Spread Dijon mustard onto the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, and 1 teaspoon of jam or jelly onto the unbuttered side of the final slice.
• Assemble sandwich in the following order: 1 ounce/slice of Swiss/Gruyere on top of the Dijon, followed by the ham, the slice of fully buttered bread, turkey, 1 ounce/slice of Swiss/Gruyere, and the remaining slice of bread, jelly side down. Trim crusts, if desired.
• Loosely wrap the sandwich with plastic wrap and weigh it down with a grill press or skillet for 3-5 minutes.
• In a shallow dish, whisk together egg, milk, salt, and nutmeg. Dip sandwich into the egg mixture, until some of the liquid absorbs into the bread, but it isn't falling apart.
• Melt together vegetable oil and remaining butter in a skillet (I like to use cast iron). Cook 3-4 minutes per side, until sandwich is golden and cheese is melted. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Heat remaining jam or jelly in a small saucepan or microwave until warmed. Dust sandwich with confectioner's sugar, slice in half, and serve with jelly on the side.

MONTE CRISTO CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375^F.
• Pour milk in a microwaveable container and heat until hot.
• Whisk eggs in small bowl and add hot milk to eggs, blend.
• Cut French toast into 3/4 inch cubes; place in a large bowl.
• Pour egg mixture over bread cubes, toss gently, set aside.
• Combine ham, turkey, cheese and parsley in a bowl.
• Spray a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
• Layer half the french toast cubes with half the meat mixture in bottom of pan.
• Repeat.
• Let stand for at least 10 minutes (It can be held overnight.) Set at room temperature for a few minutes before baking-or bake a little longer if it's cold.
• Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set in center.
• Cool 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
• Slice strawberries.
• Combine strawberries with strawberry ice cream topping in a small bowl.
• Cut casserole into squares.
• Serve topped with strawberry mixture.

BROWN DERBY OLD FASHIONED FRENCH DRESSING

Steps:

• Blend all ingredients, except oils.
• Add olive oil and salad oil.
• Mix well.
• Chill and shake thoroughly before serving on salad.

BEST MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH

Steps:

• Assemble four sandwiches using bread, meats, and cheeses. Set aside. In medium mixing bowl (I use a square casserole dish), combine egg, water, milk, salt, sugar, flour, baking powder & mustard. Beat well. Heat about 1" of oil in deep skillet (I use a large iron skillet). Dip your sandwiches into the coating mixture, I like to get them well soaked. They will be drippy -- try to drain off a bit, carefully slide into the hot oil. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. When nicely browned, gently flip over & brown other side. Remove to paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let cool a few minutes before cutting so the cheese doesn't ooze out. Cut each sandwich into four fingers for easy dipping. Serve with syrup or jam.

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH - THE REAL ONE

Steps:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

BENNIGANS MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH

Steps:

• Place turkey and Swiss cheese on one slice of bread and ham and American cheese on another slice of bread.
• Place third slice.
• in-between and secure the triple-decker sandwich in the corners with tooth picks.
• Place egg in mixing bowl, add water and beat together.
• Add salt, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
• Beat batter until smooth.
• Dip sandwich in batter and carefully cover all the sides and surface.
• Carefully place in hot oil and fry until golden.
• When sandwich has turned a warm gold color remove from hot oil and place on paper towel.
• Let cool for a few minutes before removing the tooth picks.
• Before serving slice into fourths and sprinkle.
• with powder sugar.
• Serve with Raspberry jam.