Monte Cristo Panini Food

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH

Steps:

• On a work surface, lay out 2 slices of bread and spread with mayonnaise. Top each slice with the 1 slice of Gouda and 1 slice of turkey each. Put the third slice of bread on top of one stack, and flip the remaining stack on top, cheese-side down, to make a triple-decker sandwich.
• Using a knife, cut the crusts off the sandwich (this helps to pinch and seal the ends). Wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours. (Wrapping the sandwich in plastic wrap, compacts it, and prevents the egg batter from seeping in.)
• Combine the eggs and milk in a bowl. Heat the oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Unwrap the sandwich and dip it in the egg batter, to coat evenly. Gently place it in the skillet, and fry, turning once, until golden brown and hot, about 5 minutes total.
• Cut the Monte Cristo in 1/2, transfer it to a place, and garnish with the strawberry and orange. Spoon some jam over each 1/2 and serve immediately.

TURKEY-BACON MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Lay the bacon in a large nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
• Lay 4 slices of the bread on a work surface. Spread one side of each slice with some mustard and top each with 2 slices of bacon. Evenly divide half of the Gouda and then half of the turkey among the sandwiches and season lightly with salt and pepper. Evenly spread the cranberry sauce over the top of each and top with the remaining turkey. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining Gouda and remaining 4 slices of bread to make 4 sandwiches total. Press down slightly on each sandwich.
• Whisk together the milk, nutmeg and eggs in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper.
• Heat 2 large skillets over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon each of the butter and oil to each skillet. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture to coat all over and lay them in the skillets. Cook, turning once, until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted, about 6 to 8 minutes.