Blue Bayou Monte Cristo

When Alex and I went on our first Disney Cruise, we picked up the cookbook Delicious Disney. It is basically a collaboration of many of the Disney chefs’ recipes, ranging from quick and easy to fancy and international. There is one section devoted to Disney Classics, which are certain “signature” dishes that are featured in specific restaurants throughout Disney in general. I’d heard the Monte Cristo at the Blue Bayou at Disneyland is amazing. We’ve never eaten there (it’s near Pirates of the Caribbean), but I always wondered what a Monte Cristo sandwich was.  The first one I dipped only the top and bottom of the sandwich in the batter so you can see what the inside looks like. The rest, I just dipped the whole thing- the way it should be While being quite the hearty dish, it was AMAZING. Alex and I couldn’t stop eating the sandwiches, they were perfect! One day, we’ll have to try the “real” thing at Disneyland- can’t wait for that!

Monte Cristo Serves 4

1 egg

1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons water

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

8 slices challah bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick

8 thin slices ham

8 thin slices turkey

8 thin slices Swiss cheese

3 cups canola oil

powdered sugar and blackberry preserves

Line a cookie sheet with paper towels; set aside. Whisk the egg and water together in a mixing bowl. Add flour, salt and baking powder and whisk thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth, scraping side of bowl.

On one slice of bread, arrange 2 slices of ham, turkey and cheese, covering the bread evenly. Place another slice of bread on top and slice each sandwich in half diagonally.

Heat oil to between 365 and 375 degrees F in a 10-inch pan. Don’t let the oil reach a higher temperature than this; if oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down. Dip half of the sandwich into the batter, allowing excess to drain, and very carefully place into the oil. Repeat with the other sandwich half. Cook 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Place the cooked sandwich on the cookie sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve. Repeat with the other 3 sandwiches. Cook one at a time, and allow the oil to reach the desired temperature between each.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with blackberry preserves on the side.