The Yumminess of Monte Cristo(s)

This is another one of those recipes that I make for me and the kids when my Darling Husband is out of town.  (Are you noticing a pattern?  I make it a point to eat healthier when he's in town...  It's not like we don't all need our vegetables.)

This recipe is from allrecipes.com:

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Ingredients

* 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
* 2/3 cup water
* 1 egg
* 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 8 slices white bread
* 4 slices Swiss cheese
* 4 slices turkey
* 4 slices ham
* 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting
* Raspberry jelly for dipping

 (The fact that these are on paper towels tells you something...)

Directions:

1. Heat 5 inches of oil in a deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C). While oil is heating, make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper; whisk into the egg mixture until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator.  (I don't go quite to this oily extreme.  I use my electric frying pan with the bottom covered with oil.)

2. Assemble sandwiches by placing one slice of turkey on one slice of bread, a slice of ham on another, then sandwich them with the Swiss cheese in the middle. Cut sandwiches into quarters, and secure with toothpicks.

3. Dip each sandwich quarter in the batter so that all sides are coated. Deep fry in the hot oil until golden brown on all sides. Remove toothpicks and arrange on a serving tray. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

4.  Serve with raspberry jelly.

These are very decadent, so we don't have them very often.  But, boy, are they delicious (and fun--finger lickin' good).

I'll see you with the other Foodies at Michael's.