Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Monte Cristos

Every time I watch the Shrek 2 with the boys and the Fairy Godmother yells into the intercom for a Monte Cristo, I have wanted to try them. I never think of it when I am trying to come up with dinner ideas. As I was skimming the December issue of my Every Day With Rachael Ray, I came across this version with Apple, Cheddar and Bacon, a traditional Monte Cristo is ham, turkey and swiss. I knew that the bacon would go over well with the Doc and making this for dinner, meant that I got to try out my new Cuisinart 5 in 1 Griddler! Plus, who doesn't LOVE breakfast for dinner!!

What You Need:
12 slices good-quality bacon (I used applewood smoked bacon!)
8 slices good-quality peasant or round-loaf french bread
1/2 to 3/4 pound extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
2 golden delicious or gala apples, cored and very thinly sliced
3 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
A little freshly grated nutmeg
Butter, for greasing
Warm maple syrup, for drizzling

The Steps:
Bake the bacon on a broiler pan or a rack set over a baking sheet at 375° until just crisp, about 20 minutes.

Arrange 4 slices of bread with some cheese and the apples on top.

Beat the eggs with the milk (or half-and-half) and a little nutmeg. Heat a large griddle pan over medium heat. When ready, arrange 3 slices of bacon on each sandwich and top with a little more cheese and 4 more slices of bread. Coat each sandwich in the egg batter. Grease the griddle with butter and griddle the sandwiches until deep golden on each side and the cheese has melted.



Halve the sandwiches and drizzle with a little warm syrup. (I omitted this step!)

The Verdict:
These were so good! I would definitely make them again especially on a night when I don't feel much like cooking but didn't want to have to do take out! This is something that can be easily made with any cheese and or lunch meat. It was like eating a french toast sandwich! The applewood smoked bacon made this dish though. I served it with hash browns that I made by sautéing some thinly sliced onion in some butter and then adding some defrosted frozen shredded potatoes.