Open Face Monte Cristo Food

MONTE CRISTO

Steps:

• Preheat a griddle and deep fryer to 350 degrees F.
• Butter the griddle. Dunk the Texas toast on both sides in the French Toast Custard and grill until golden brown. Flip and add 1 slice Swiss cheese to each slice of toast. Then add 3 ounces ham on top of 6 of the toast slices, then top the ham with another slice of Swiss cheese. Top each ham and cheese toast with a cheese only toast, to form 6 sandwiches. Cook until the cheese melts, then remove from griddle and cool. Dunk the cooled sandwiches in the pancake batter until fully covered and put into the fryer. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes. Serve with the Strawberry-Rhubarb Syrup.
• Beat the eggs well, then add the sugar and mix until emulsified and all the sugar has dissolved. Add the milk and vanilla and whisk until combined.
• Add the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar and maple syrup to a saucepot. Place over medium heat and cook until fruit is soft, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly, then carefully puree with a hand blender.

OPEN FACE MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a shallow dish.
• Dip both sides of bread slices in egg mixture.
• Melt butter in a large skillet; add bread slices, and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
• Spread 1 tablespoon strawberry jam on 1 side of each bread slice; top evenly with turkey, ham, and cheese.
• Place on baking sheet.
• Broil 5 inches from heat 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar, if desired.
• Serve immediately.

OPEN-FACE MONTE CRISTO

Steps:

• Heat large heavy skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk eggs and milk in shallow dish until blended.
• Dip bread, 1 slice at a time, in egg mixture, turning to evenly coat both sides of each bread slice. Add to hot skillet. Cook 1-1/2 min. or until bottoms of bread slices are lightly toasted; turn. Top with meat and cheese; cover. Cook 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until sandwiches are heated through and cheese is melted.
• Meanwhile, cook gravy in small saucepan on medium-low heat 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Drizzle gravy over sandwiches just before serving.

SUNNY'S MONTE CRISTO BREAKFAST PLANK

Steps:

• For the bread: Using a serrated knife, make a rectangular block of the bread by slicing off the ends and leveling the top and bottom of the loaf. There should be no crust left. Slice the block in half lengthwise, making 2 planks.
• In a large bowl, whisk the heavy cream, chili powder, sriracha, eggs, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Pour the mixture into a wide flat dish, large enough to dunk the bread. Carefully dip each plank in the egg mixture, coating all sides.
• Heat a griddle over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the bread planks and cook on all sides until the batter is set and the bread is light golden, 4 to 5 minutes on each large side, and another 2 minutes for each edge.
• For the filling: While still on the griddle, spread the raspberry jam on the entire top of one plank. Top with 4 slices of Gruyere, then all of the ham and turkey, shredding the meat as you go. Then cover with the remaining 4 slices of Gruyere. Like Jeff Mauro says, "crust to crust is a must!" In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and mustard together. Spread this mixture on the top of the remaining plank and lay it, mayonnaise-side down, on the other topped plank. Put an overturned metal bowl over the sandwich and cook a few minutes more to melt the cheese.
• For the finish: Carefully remove to a baking sheet and allow to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and use a serrated knife to cut 1 1/2-inch finger planks along the length. Serve with maple syrup to drizzle or dunk.