Cheddar's Monte Cristo Sandwich

A Monte Cristo has it’s origin in the Croque Monsieur in the sense it is ham and cheese sandwich that is cooked. In the South, this sandwich is battered and deep-fried. It is warm, crunchy, crispy, and you can even sprinkle it will powdered sugar, and some people enjoy theirs with raspberry preserves.

4 slices of sliced bread
4 slices of smoked turkey
4 slices of ham
2 slices of American cheese
2 slices of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
Prepared pancake batter (enough for six pancakes)
Powdered Sugar
cooking oil for frying

Make the sandwiches ahead of time. Make two sandwiches with 2 slices of smoked turkey, 2 slices of ham, and one slice of American cheese, and one slice of Monterey jack cheese. Wrap the sandwiches individually snuggly with plastic wrap. Place the sandwich in the refrigerator for at least one hour. You may want to do this overnight.

Preheat oil to about 320 degrees. Use you favorite pancake batter, make enough batter to prepare about six 4-inch pancakes. Gently unwrap the sandwiches and dip into the batter. Place the battered sandwich in hot oil and cook until golden. If you need to be sure to flip the sandwich over so both sides brown evenly.

Place the sandwich on a wire rack to drain. Allow the sandwich to rest for about 1 minute, then cut the sandwich, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.