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