Monte Cristo Recipe

Prepare peaches: if using fresh, peel, pit and slice peaches to yield about 2 cups. If frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tsp butter. Add sliced peaches, 2 tbsp light brown sugar and 1 tsp lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peaches soften and release juices, about 5–7 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness. Remove from heat and set aside; keep warm.

In a shallow wide bowl or pie dish, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon until smooth and homogenous.

Place custard in refrigerator for 5–10 minutes while assembling sandwiches; this helps flavors meld and custard to chill slightly for cleaner dipping.

Lay out 4 slices of bread. On each, layer 2 slices ham, 2 slices turkey and 2 slices Swiss cheese. Top each with another slice of bread to form 4 sandwiches.

Press sandwiches gently to compact. Using a sharp knife, trim crusts if desired and cut sandwiches in half diagonally after cooking (or before if preferred).

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tbsp butter to melt and coat surface.

Working one sandwich at a time, dip both outside faces of the sandwich into the custard mixture for 5–7 seconds per side, allowing custard to soak in but not become soggy. Let excess drip back into the dish.

Place the dipped sandwich in the hot skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, adding additional 1 tsp–1 tbsp butter as needed between sandwiches, until exterior is golden-brown and slightly crisp and cheese inside is melted. Reduce heat slightly if browning too fast before cheese melts.

Transfer finished sandwiches to a clean plate; keep warm in a low oven (90–100°C / 200°F) while finishing remaining sandwiches.

Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Spoon warm peach compote alongside or over the plate as described in the menu.

Optionally dust sandwiches lightly with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup on the side for dipping. Serve immediately.