Monte Cristo on Rye

In 2011 my husband and I went to Paris with my husband's brother and girlfriend (now his wife). It was a great time and the food was spectacular. I'll never forget the croque monsieur I ate in an outside cafe. This French delicacy brought back some of those memories. It's simple, yet so delicious. Ham and swiss on rye is one of my favorite sandwiches, but when you batter and then grill it in a little butter it becomes amazing. The rye bread isn't very traditional but added the flavor that I was looking for.

Monte Cristo

on Rye

Makes 4 sandwiches
Ingredients:
8 slices rye bread
8 slices swiss cheese
1/2 lb sliced deli ham
3 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground pepper
1 tbsp butter

confectioners sugar

1. Assemble sandwiches by placing one slice of cheese on each slice of bread and placing 1/4th of the ham between the cheese.
2. In a large bowl whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together.
3. Preheat griddle or large skillet, generously grease with butter.
4. Dip each sandwich in egg batter, turning to coat. (Don't let the sandwich soak or it will get soggy)
5. Over medium heat, add sandwiches to pan and grill, turning sandwiches once, for approximately 6-8 minutes total. They are done when the bread is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
6. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

Note: To lighten the recipe you can substitute cooking spray for the butter, but it will lose out on some of the flavor.

Adapted from Martha Stewart, Monte Cristo Sandwich