Oh, my. Monte Cristo's are my downfall, too. Haven't had a really good one in ages!
We used to have chain here in Houston called Jojo's that was like a Denny's with an alcoholic beverage license and I think their Monte Christo's were the best I've ever had. They *understood* those of us who liked some sweet stuff with our sandwich and dusted them with powdered sugar, served with a small ramekin of orange marmalade, which I always had to ask for a 2nd of.
La Madeleine makes them, but theirs aren't as good. That's one favorite food that I cannot make at home to my liking. I'm not a good fryer of things, since I hate the smell in the house, so not much practice. Thanks for the memory - and a new project.
Good thread. Just stumbled on to it.
I think it's a rule that EVERYBODY'S grandmother was the best cook ever!!!
What I haven't seen on the thread however, is the "wierd" stuff from around the world. Here's my contribution:
1962 - Tipton County, TN - Hog Nut Dumplings (for real!)
1967 - Philippines - Monkey on a spit
1967 - Philippines - Fried Dog - cut up like an 8-pc chicken
1968 - Korea - Dog Stew
1968 - Korea - Cat Stew
1975 - Spain - Don't remember the Spanish spelling but it is pronounced Kreeya Deeya. My friends took me to a Tapas bar outside the Plaza de Toros in Puerto de Santa Maria one Sunday evening and ordered these for me. Looked like sliced Chorizo sausage. They were the bull's nuts from the bull fights that day. Damn, I'll never forget that!!!
1997 - Hong Kong - Raw Shark filet
1997 - Hong Kong - Bird's Nest Soup
1997 - Hong Kong - Sharkfin Soup
1997 - Hong Kong - Hummingbird Tongues
Just a few of the more memorable ones...
S-o-o-o-o-o. you like Monte Cristo's, eh (leering and twirling mustache? ) You are going to regret you ever said that-----because the Monte Cristo recipes are coming at you-----bigtime:
Here's a baked version of the Monte Christo Sandwich.
Sandwich two slices Pepperidge Farm bread with slice of ham, slice of Swiss cheese. Cut sandwich diagonally.
Make Batter (enough for 4 sandwiches): Combine 3 large beaten eggs, cup milk, 1/4 tea salt in shallow dish. Dip sandwiches in batter turning once. Now coat sandwich evenly with 4 cups Rice Krispies crushed down to 2 cups.
Place on a well-greased sheetpan, drizzle with melted butter. Bake 450 deg. 10 min or so til crisp and lightly browned.
Traditionally served with garnish of sliced strawberries and compote of sour cream (although I was once served the MC in Florida with a side of currant jelly mixed with heavy cream).