I had forgotten about this tasty sandwich until I saw a similar recipe in Recipe du Jour's great newsletter.

The original Monte Cristo has a clouded history.  Some think it evolved from a French sandwich called Croque Monsieur.  Others claim it was invented and first served in Southern California in the '50's.  Disneyland picked it up, and it is one of the most popular items served in some of their restaurants.  Classically it's made with Swiss cheese, and jam or cranberry sauce is served as a dip.  It's often made with three slices of bread to each sandwich. Some recipes call for dipping in batter and deep frying, a caloric nightmare which adds nothing to the flavor.

One more way to use up a bit of leftover roasted turkey or chicken is a healthier version of this famous sandwich.

Monte Cristo Sandwich

8 slices bread
4 slices Swiss, Gouda, mozzarella or Muenster cheese
4 thin slices smoked ham or Serrano ham
thin slices of leftover roasted chicken or turkey
honey mustard
butter or non-hydrogenated margarine
cooking spray
1/3 cup skim or reduced fat milk
2 med. egg whites or 1 large egg
confectioners sugar
blackberry, strawberry or seedless raspberry jam or currant jelly

Cut slices from the bread.  Spread 4 slices thinly with honey mustard.  Spread the other 4 slices thinly with butter or margarine.  Place a slice of ham on the mustard side, top with a slice of cheese, then the sliced chicken or turkey.  Top with the buttered bread slice. 

Mix the milk and egg well.  Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle; turn heat to medium high.  Spray with cooking spray.  Dip each side of the sandwich briefly into the milk and egg mixture and place on the hot skillet.   When lightly browned, spray top with more cooking spray and turn.  Brown the second side.

Remove from heat.  Using a fine sieve, sprinkle each side with 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. confectioners sugar.  Top with a dollop of jam.  Serves 4.