Monte Cristo @ Duchess Diner

The Current list:

Ok, so far I have done two off the list. Today I hope to knock off two, possibly three more depending on how much I can get done.

The “Monte’ Cristo” sandwich

What is it?
Where did it come from?
How did it get here?
Why the hell is there swiss and turkey on my french toast?

Because it is tasty my friend! Wikipedia says that it’s origins are actually unknown. A cookbook I once read said it was inspired by the need to make french toast a lunch/dinner item in 24hr Diners. I however have a feeling that it is actually some sort of bastardized american offspring of the “Croque-Monsieur” or just plain “Croque” sandwich. The (when executed properly) serving of the sandwich is nearly the same. The only REAL difference is that you swap the turkey for the egg, and that it is plated open face (on the east coast). Have it how you wish. I like mine with a bit of sweet mustard or just a tiny drizzle of syrup. I have heard from a number of people that the sandwich is the featured item at Blue Bayou in Disneyland. I can nay confirm nor deny this as I have never been to “The Happiest Place on Earth”. I can however tell you that it is hard to find a good Monte. They are either deep fried (yack!), drowned in syrup (bleh!), soggy (barf!) or just plain cooked wrong. This one ranks up there with the best of them though.

Two pieces of “french” toast, finished and thrown into the broiler topped with just the right amount of turkey, two slices of ham each and two slices of swiss. All I need is an egg on this guy and I would be ready to fold it together.

Here is the pic and the food stuffs.

:{)