Monte Cristo Sandwich

My first Monte Cristo sandwich was at the Blue Bayou in Disneyland, and I was hooked. This version is called a 'Monte Cristo-Style Croque Monsieur', but all you need to know is it is heavenly.

4 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups milk

salt and pepper

ground nutmeg, to taste

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

8 slices white bread, choose a really soft French

12 thin slices baked ham

4 slices Swiss cheese, Emmanteler if available

2 large eggs

raspberry jam, for dipping

1. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, then 1 cup milk. Bring to a gentle boil; season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes to thicken. Off the heat, stir in the mustard.

2. Spread the bread with the sauce, then layer 4 slices with the ham, cheese and remaining bread.

3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining 1/2 cup milk. In a nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Soak 2 sandwiches in the egg mixture. Add the sandwiches to the skillet and cook, turning once, until golden, about 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining butter and sandwiches.

Serve with raspberry jam, if desired. But why wouldn't you desire that?

Recipe courtesy of Racheal Ray Magazine.