Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Meet the Monte Cristo



Monte Cubano
Serves1

* Active time:15 min
* Start to finish:15 min

March 2009
This two-in-one indulgence has the irresistible makings of a Cuban sandwich, including Swiss cheese, pickles, and sliced meats—but it’s also dipped in egg batter and fried like a Monte Cristo. View more of our favorite recipes from this issue.

* 2 slices firm bread
* 1 to 2 teaspoons mustard
* 4 or 5 dill pickle rounds
* 2 slices boiled or baked ham
* 2 slices smoked turkey
* 3 thin slices Swiss cheese
* 1/2 garlic clove
* 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons whole milk
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

*
Spread 1 slice of bread with mustard and top with pickles, meats, and cheese. Mince and mash garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt, then mix with mayonnaise. Spread on remaining slice of bread and assemble sandwich.
*
Beat together egg, milk, and 1/8 tsp each of salt and pepper, then soak sandwich in egg mixture.
*
Melt butter in a heavy medium skillet over medium-low heat. Cook sandwich, uncovered, until underside is well browned, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook remaining side, covered, until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 1 minute.

Recipe by Maggie Ruggiero

Photograph by Romulo Yanes

This is a great way to serve your leftover turkey and ham. It was a much anticipated treat in our household.

Of course, this one is a bit altered from the original, what isn't. We used guyrere cheese and with butter to spare pan fried our temptations.

I always become just a bit maudlin after a holiday. I seem to go back in time and think of those who have passed. So what better way to remember them then to step back in time and create our best loved treats. Remembering them and celebrating the traditions seems to work for me. RD

Monday, April 13, 2009

Happy Easter.


Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

My bluebirds have returned to their home. I am so thrilled. Well, ofcourse, it could be a different family.

I restore birdhouses. Yup, I find them at thrift stores and doll them up for new tenants.

I couldn't ask for anything more for Easter. Have a great day. RD

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Isn't this a divine looking kitchen?


Isn't this a divine looking kitchen? Sadly, it isn't mine. I sure would like it to be. But the chandelier is what I'm interested in at the moment.

I'm making one. I bought a beat up old brass chandelier that I re-wired, and painted a lovely creme color.

I picked up a box of crystals on Ebay and now I'm sitting here wondering just what I'm going to do with this lovely treasure.

I just have an obsession of making old things new again. Or for that matter giving a tired old thing a new lease on life.

This gem will hang in my entry way. In fact, come to think of it....I have soooo many crystals I had better start browsing around for another tired old chandelier.

I will keep you posted on the progress. Once I get going I can't very well stop. I needed to light up my life a bit, and this will fit the bill.