Monte Cristo: King of Sandwiches

Imagine a world where sandwiches reign supreme. The lowly PB&J bows to the peanut butter banana sandwich, which in turn owes fealty to the grilled cheese sandwich. The emperor of this sandwich kingdom is the mighty Monte Cristo Sandwich, a delicacy that has no equal throughout the empire. The Monte Cristo is a master of deception, appearing at first to be a lowly ham sandwich. However, this happens to be the camouflage behind which is a sandwich so bold as to aspire to reign over both the breakfast and lunch menus. That's right! A lunchtime ham and cheese sandwich on the inside, the Monte Cristo doubles as a breakfast with a delicious french toast sheath. This sandwich can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or brunch, eaten as is or dipped in ketchup. Give this noble delight a try and your life will never be the same.

• 2 slices sandwich or baguette bread
• butter for spreading and frying
• mustard
• 2-4 slices deli sliced ham (depending on thickness)
• 2-3 slices swiss cheese (depending on bread size)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk

1. Place the ham and cheese slices on the buttered side of one slice of bread.
2. spread mustard onto the buttered side of the second slice.
3. Put the two slices together.

1. In a flat bottomed container big enough to fit the pieces of bread, combine the egg and half cup of milk.
2. Whisk together with a fork until evenly mixed.
3. Place sandwich in egg bath for about 5 seconds, so that the bath starts to soak into the bread.
4. Flip over the sandwich and repeat with the other side.

1. Heat a small frying pan on medium low heat.
2. Melt about one tablespoon of butter on the pan.
3. Place the sandwich in the pan for 2-4 minutes, or until the bottom side is golden brown.
4. Flip the sandwich over and repeat with the second side.
5. Remove the sandwich from heat and allow to cool.

There you have it! Eat the sandwich plain or with ketchup, or enjoy this royal feast with a side of fried eggs or breakfast sausage. This sandwich makes a great menu item for either breakfast or lunch.

Please vote for me in the sandwich contest if you like this tutorial!