Monte Cristo Sandwiches

I have not seen these on a restaurant menu for a long time. You used to be able to find them at some restaurants in Los Angeles. Although I never really cared for them they were a favorite of my Mother and Grandmother. It is a simple recipe but they need to be fried.



Monte Cristo Sandwiches

Ingredients
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
8 slices sandwich bread
4 slices cooked turkey
4 slices cooked ham
4 slices Swiss cheese
2 egg whites
3 eggs
1/2 cup commercial sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs (about)
vegetable oil

Method
Combine mayonnaise and mustard, stirring well; spread on one side of each bread slice. Place one slice each of turkey, ham, and cheese on top of 4 bread slices. Top with remaining bread. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally; secure with wooden picks. Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until stiff; set aside. Beat eggs; add sour cream and milk, stirring well. Fold in egg whites. Dip sandwich halves in batter; coat with breadcrumbs. Carefully lower sandwich halves, one at a time, into deep hot oil (375 degrees F.); fry until golden brown, turning once. Drain; remove wooden picks. Serve sandwiches immediately.
Yield: 4 servings

Credits
From: The Southern Living Cookbook (Oxmoor Press)