Cooking with Tallyrand

the original sandwich is said to have been created by a staff member of the Earl of Sandwich, who was a reknown gambler and often ate at the table. So a staff member put meat between bread, to keep his fingers clean. Appropriately the, the Club Sandwich is said to have been created in a gambling house in New York at the end of the 19th century

the monte cristo is a version of the croque monsieur (toasted ham & cheese) 

1. construct sandwich ensuring the cheese slices are next to the bread to ensure it melts 
2. beat the egg with a fork in a sided tray
3. place in the sandwich and allow the egg to soak into both slices of bread 
4. heat a non stick frying pan over a medium heat (be careful it is not too hot) 
5. add a little vegetable oil 
6. place in the sandwich and fry gently until golden brown
7. turn the sandwich over and repeat, cooking gently to ensure the cheese melts

chef notes

often served as an open sandwich also, in which the bread is made into French toast, and ultra thin slices of the emmenthal and ham, layered over the top

can be served with mustard on the side or American style with dusting of icing sugar and a side of sour cream and fresh soft fruits