When only a hearty sandwich will do, the timeless Monte Cristo is sure to fill the bill. This classic comfort meal can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Add a bowl of fresh fruit for an early in the day meal or switch to a tossed salad if you will be serving it later.

Monte Cristo Sandwiches

4 slices loaf bread (whole wheat or white)
2 tablespoons honey mustard
2 thin slices ham (1 ounce)
2 thin slices turkey (1 ounce)
2 slices Swiss or mozzarella cheese (1 ounce)
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup fat free half and half
1 or 2 tablespoons butter

Spread one side of 2 bread slices with mustard. Top remaining 2 slices with ham, cheese slice and turkey slice. Close sandwiches with mustard side down.

Combine eggs and half and half in a small bowl and using wire whisk, beat to combine. Place sandwiches in a shallow casserole dish and pour batter over sandwiches, pressing to absorb liquid. Turn sandwiches and press. Refrigerate sandwiches for 15 minutes.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Cook sandwiches in the skillet on each side until golden brown and cheese has melted. Turn sandwiches again to make sure batter is cooked and bread is crispy. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles.

Serve with baked chips and pickle if used for lunch. If served for breakfast or brunch, serve with fresh fruit.

Makes 2 sandwiches.

Note: Sandwiches may also be baked in the oven. In a separate casserole dish melt butter in the oven. Remove sandwiches from batter and place in casserole dish in melted butter. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes and place under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes (watch carefully).

Nutritional information per serving; 554 calories; 31 g fat; 297 mg cholesterol; 1,178 mg sodium; 37 g carbyhydrates; 31 g protein

Recipe from: American Egg Board