yeah just about every monte cristo will be served like that. also idk how it usually is, but more slices of thin ham is usually better than 1 thick one.
@@nullakjg767 Definitely. I agree that restaurant/deli sandwiches that you'll get here in the states, use very thinly sliced meats, kind of loosely piled onto the sandwich. I think it makes eating the sandwich easier, since thicker meat isn't usually as tender as the thinly sliced meats. A Monte Cristo also has turkey, as well as the ham and slices of Swiss or Gruyer cheese, not shredded cheese. As much as I love Vickie's cooking segments, I'm baffled about where she finds her recipes. She's done several "American" dishes, but the ingredients and/or the preparation have been nothing like what you'd see here in the US with some of them. Her "Carolina Crab Boil" turned out to be a very nice looking crabmeat salad, but as someone who was raised in South Carolina, I can confidently say that it wasn't even close to being a crab or seafood boil. I am not, in any way, knocking Vickie's cooking skills. I've happily watched and enjoyed all of her cooking segments and it's obvious that she is a wonderful cook who knows her way around a kitchen. It's just that so many of the recipes she's used so far, are so off the mark, that I'm hard pressed to understand where on Earth they're coming from. Maybe it's just that she needs to use the words "authentic" or "origional" in her searches, before the names of the dishes she wants to make/try. They all seem to want to try authentic "American foods" and the recipes she's been finding are making that impossible in some cases. I sincerely just want them to experience the dishes she makes, just as they'd be prepared and served here in the US.
I’ve never had mustard on it. Traditional that I have is ham, turkey and cheese on white bread, egg on bread and grilled or fried, dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam.
@@janp719 ... It's been a very long time since I've had one, and I can't remember if it had mustard on it or not. Definitely needs the powdered sugar and raspberry jam though, or it's just not a Monte Cristo, at least to me it's not.
The Monte Cristo sandwich is in my top 5 of all time. The only things missing are a dusting of powdered sugar and either maple syrup or strawberry jam to dip it in. Raspberry jam is my personal favorite to use.
@@Supremewin777 Correct. If you're just using ham, it's not an authentic Monte Cristo. It would basically be a fancy grilled ham and cheese. Also, the 2 deli meats should be sliced very, very thinly and the Swiss cheese should be sliced, not shredded. I've had both raspberry jam and maple syrup on the side, but I've never had it with strawbwrry jam. Maple syrup can be excellent to dip, as long as it's real, pure maple syrup. The stuff in the squeezy bottle from the grocery store is much too thick and the "maple flavoring" they use, lacks the depth of the real deal. Like you, I prefer raspberry jam, but the strawberry sounds like it might be yummy, too!
The Monte Cristo sandwiches I've had were completely covered in the egg mixture. So the sides are also covered. In other words....it was encased in the egg mixture. Top was dusted in powdered sugar & served with warm maple syrup. Which I drenched the sandwich in.
😊 Vicky, just to see other viewers have told you, Montecristo sandwiches need a setting of powdered sugar and raspberry jam. Try it again it’s a wonderful sandwich!
Gotta only dip briefly into the egg mix. No mustard or Mayo needed…maybe butter. Make sure to have Turkey and ham and dust with powdered sugar at the end and dip in strawberry or raspberry jam. Please try this one again! It’s really delicious. You just gotta try it.
@@Desertflower725 ... Yeah, seems like there are recipies out there both ways. I've even seen some that don't have powered sugar or raspberry jam to dip it in, which I personally think it strange. I mean to me, it's just not a Monte Cristo at that point.
@ , I usually love mustard too, but no jam,powdered sugar or Turkey just means this sandwich is seriously lacking what it’s supposed to be. They basically didn’t really taste a proper Monte Cristo.
James, you still haven't had a Monte Cristo sandwich. The sandwich you're eating is lovely, but it is basically a ham and cheese sandwich dipped in egg and fried. We call this a grilled ham and cheese. To be an authentic Monte Cristo, it needs ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese without mayonnaise or mustard. The meats are usually thin sliced and several slices of each are put on the bread, along with the Swiss cheese. Some people use three slices of bread while others prefer two slices. The bread is then dipped briefly into an egg and milk mixture and fried in butter. The cooked sandwich is cut in half diagonally, sprinkled with confectioner's sugar, and served with a jam of your choice. Dip the sandwich into the jam before each bite.
With the turkey, ham, and Swiss Cheese machine-sliced THINLY (creating more surface area, increasing the flavor) - preferably on a brioche bread - though Dijon mustard is used in the classic Monte Cristo sandwich (definitely no mayo) - and placed into a hot buttered skillet on the stove.
Back in the 1970s as a cook in a restaurant I made thousands of them. Made exactly as you described, only difference was we also sprinkled a little cinnamon on top along with the powdered sugar and it was served with a side of maple syrup.
@Supremewin777 You would definitely be able to answer this question for me then... I, too, ate them made much the way you made them (although being embedded in Southern traditional cooking, we had a thicker "batter" and they were deep fried) and I thought the addition of mustard might be a delicious option. What do you think? A really tangy brown mustard maybe? Still with the powdered sugar and jam or syrup? Sounds tasty to me! 😊
@@AxlezBubby I think It's a matter of taste between the maple syrup or jam. I would not put mustard on it unless you're a big mustard lover. You could always put mustard on the side and dip. Then you will know for sure.
Vicky, you talk about your son and his wife like they're little children. He's still your little boy in your eyes. I love that. That is precious. I melted.
This was a sandwich from the ‘60’s. There is only 1 place in my city that serves it like back then. I indulge once or twice a year. It reminds me of being a kid. I always thought of it as a French toast sandwich with ham, turkey and Swiss, deep fried, dipped in raspberry preserves and dusted with powdered sugar (icing sugar).
@@charlesblaicher7589 Ambrosia salad is the bomb!! I honest to goodness make it like every other month for the simple fact that I freakin love it! I may be a weirdo for making it that often, but I have never met a person that I shared it with who didn't like it...with the exception of my neighbor who said she gets an itchy throat every time she eats something with pineapple in it. But who would keep eating stuff with pineapple in it? That'd scare the 💩 right outta me that I'd die trying to eat something completely avoidable and I'd never get near the stuff again! 😁
I used to get Monte Cristo sandwiches at the golf course I used to work at in NC. The lady that made them would add in polish sausage and actually batter the outside of it and sprinkle powdered sugar over it after coming out of the fryer. Some folks would put a jam or jelly on the outside of it as well. Also, I saw The Count of Monte Cristo a long, long time ago. Haven't seen it in forever.
@@WestTXRedneck1972 It sounds as if you had a 100% authentic Southern American rendition of a fantastic sandwich. There would be a huge difference between the ones we've had & the one James' mom cooked up. I'm sure it was quite yummy...it looked it for sure. It just wasn't a Monte Cristo. Hopefully they'll try it again, because I think the comments are overwhelmingly leading them to that conclusion. The movie was a good one, too. It's totally worth a re-watch if it's been a while. I'm sure it's free somewhere 😊
Ms Vickie, nice job. Typically the Monet Cristo is lightly dusted with powdered sugar after you have cooked it and served with raspberry jam on the side. It’s kind of a combo of sweet and savory. You might give that a go the next time and see what you think of it
The Monte Cristo sandwich is is basically just a Fried Ham and Cheese sandwich, it's dipped in an egg batter before frying. When I was younger I always though it was a Monkey Crisco sandwich and I never ate it because Crisco is like a white vegetable grease used for cooking, I thought a sandwich made from that would be disgusting. Sometime in my teens I learned what it actually was.
Sorry, but that's not a Monte Cristo sandwich, that's a grilled ham and cheese. A Monte Cristo has ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese slices (Swiss only). It's also dusted with powered sugar and has a raspberry preserve dipping sauce. It's very popular for brunch in the US.
@@trish2872 it's popular in the US, you just never heard of it. It's basically a fancy French toast sandwich usually served for brunch. It's freaking delicious.
No crust. double decker with turkey and ham and cheese. Durkee sauce. Waffle batter. Hold together with a tooth pick. Fry on each side and edges. Serve with berry jam.
My daughter and I were just talking about Monte Cristos tonight. She's never had one either. You've inspired me to make one for her. If you like this, I bet you'd love a Cuban sandwich!
I really enjoy the cooking videos. My question to all three of you is, are there any of the foods you have made more than once? If so, have you let any family and friends try it also?
Aww I love what you said about the family. I really have never made one, just had in a restaurant several times. It’s a sweet savory thing though from what I know, so usually it’s a served with powdered sugar on top and jam. This looked good though. But without those things it’s just kind of a grilled cheese with meat sandwich.
Interesting recipe with the mayo and mustard. I’ve only had the Monte Cristo as a breakfast French toast sandwich, with the cheese, ham and made like French toast - soaked in egg and fried in butter, and then you put maple syrup on it, it’s one of my favorite breakfast foods.
Funny, I’ve never made this sandwich at home and really had forgotten about it, but I’m now inspired to make it myself, thanks Vicky. The day has been very cold but I love cold weather so much better than hot. My tea will wait since I’m resting now watching you after a late dinner.
Good first effort. But next time, no mayo. And sliced not shredded Swiss cheese. Also, you forgot the sliced turkey or chicken. You're also supposed to sprinkle the finished sandwich with a good amount of powdered sugar and serve it with a small bowl of warm strawberry or raspberry jam for dipping.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a Monte Cristi made with anything but ham and Swiss cheese - no turkey or chicken. The cheese doesn’t really matter all that much because it melts, but I suppose slices would melt more evenly. Agree about the dusting of powdered sugar - to me that and the egg battered make the sandwich.
Every Monte Cristo I've had has been ham, turkey, swiss cheese, mustard, and battered in egg based batter, similar to french toast batter, with the finished sandwich dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam, raspberry being the most common. Also all the sandwiches so far have used 3 slices of bread. My fave version so far has been the Disneyland version with Bennigan's being a close second.
@ I’m with you on everything but turkey and 3 slices of bread. They’re one of my favorites, along with Ruebens and club sandwiches (which do have 3 bread slices, at least the ones I’ve had).
Please try it again! I know you'd LOVE the real Monte Cristo! Also, you should watch the movie (The Count of Monte Cristo) before hand so you'll know what it was named after 😊
As a professional chef who has made hundreds of Monte Cristo sandwiches I can say with no disrespect that this is the worst iteration of a Monte Cristo I have ever seen. Though the concept of dipping the sandwich in batter and frying it is correct, the rest is pretty much wrong. You can make it as a single decker or double decker, but the bread should be even thicker cut, the batter should be a French Toast batter that would include a little sugar, cinnamon and vanilla, the filling should be layers of thin sliced ham with turkey breast and Swiss & Cheddar cheeses. After frying, the sandwich should be cut, dusted with powdered sugar and served with either berry jam or maple syrup (none of the fake stuff please) for dipping. It’s also acceptable to deep fry the entire sandwich. But PLEASE, no mustard or mayo.
So do I make the sandwich first then dip in the french toast mixture to fry? I'm 54 years old from the Midwest so this isn't as popular as she thinks! But I want to do it right! I think I have everything but the turkey! Lol all turkeyed out! Just threw out the last from Thanksgiving!😂💗
Welcome to the channel, seems to be a common theme here. Not sure where they are doing their research... Ironically, this one is actually more accurate than some of her other creations. It's comical, really...
@@mrtyreus0 I’m sure they think the same about Americans making British food. I’m guessing they get their recipes online, probably from British sources. At least they are trying American themed food.
Ms Vickie, you are so brave in your endeavors in making American food. As for thus sandwich, I've never eaten one. Even though you've gotten comments saying you did it wrong, I'm glad you enjoyed what you made. Wishing you the best in life. Keep it up. I love ❤️ watching you.
THIS IS NOT A MONTE CRISTO!! It looks lovely, but is missing crucial elements!! HAS to be dipped in more of a batter than just egg. Is more deep fried than pan fried. And ALWAYS served covered in a sprinkling of powdered sugar and with sweet jam (strawberry, raspberry, red plum, etc.). I would totally eat the sandwich your sweet momma lovingly made for you, cuz it looked yummy! 😊 But that's more like our french toast (on the outside at least) with ham & cheese on the inside. Monte Cristo has ham and turkey, and ALWAYS yummy melty swiss. It's slightly difficult to make at home because not everyone has a deep fryer. I have made it in a shallow fry pan situation and finessed it into a very yummy dish, but the deep fryer is really the authentic way to go😊
@AnnieDC304 that doesn't surprise me... Often in America, if we can find a way to make it fattier, it'll get there eventually! Also, once you sprinkle the powdered sugar on the deep fried doughy delight, it always reminds me of the funnel cakes we get at the fair. Not healthy but any stretch, but yyuuummmmmmmyyy! 😁
The Count of Monte Cristo (French: Le Comte de Monte-Cristo) is an adventure novel written by French author Alexandre Dumas (père) serialized from 1844 to 1846. It is one of the author's most popular works, along with The Three Musketeers. It has been adapted to film and TV over 50 times since 1908.
Monte Cristo was a character in a famous book by French author Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo, who also authored the Three Musketeers. There have been countless movies based on the story. The sandwich Monte Cristo was named simply because of its use of "French toast". The sandwich became most popular after it was added to the menu of the Cafe Orleans in California's Disneyland - which I've had, and agree it is delicious. I seem to remember there was powdered sugar dusted on top? -I enjoy you're cooking videos, well done.
Apparently it's a variation of a similar French sandwich from the early 1900's ,called a croque monsieur and became popular in the US in the 1950's. The cheese is traditionally either Swiss or Gruyere and it usually also has turkey and you can use either Mayo or mustard (or both) although mustard is the traditional choice. I've personally never had a Monte Cristo served with powdered sugar or jelly, maybe it's a thing but I don't remember having it.
The finishing touch, dusting with powdered sugar and served with a side of raspberry jam is really what makes it a Monte Cristo. Some even grill it with the jam inside the sandwich. Otherwise, this is a basic grilled ham and cheese sandwich. However, great job, mom!
It's my favorite sandwich but hard to make a really good one. Lots involved in getting it right. You did good! Someone might recall Belisle's Restaurant in Garden Grove next to Disneyland. I'm nostalgic for the Monte Cristo sandwich it used to serve. So good. Thicker bread, and more ham, next sprinkle it over with powered sugar and a side bowl of raspberry preserves for dipping into.
Try a Hot Brown Sandwich! It originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville Kentucky. It's a hot turkey sandwich smothered with a cheese bechamel sauce, and topped with tomato and bacon.
The first time I had this sandwich was at a casino in Las Vegas in the 70's. It was a double decker. There was ham, and turkey, cheese, dipped in a batter and deep fried. Strawberry jam and powered sugar on top. Done any other way is just a grilled cheese sandwich.
I agree with many others... it should be like a deli sliced turkey, ham and cheese stuffed pancake with with a dusting of sugar, served with syrup, jam or jelly.
My favorite version of this sandwich is not pan-fried but battered and deep-fried, and consists of challah, ham, turkey, cheddar and Jack cheese, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Vickie (old HS Girlfriend’s name) just make Grilled Cheese & soup. 100% American. 3 slices of American cheese and Tomato soup, Chicken Noodle, or Beef Vegetable with barley. You choose your favorite. It is the least costly but #1 in kids’ hearts! You like beans & toast, but GC& Soup is the #1 for everyone. 30 minutes nap after, and then ready to tackle the world.
Never heard of mayonnaise and mustard on the sandwich, but 2 things are missing. Power sugar, and maple syrup. Makes it so much better. Scott from the USA. Love watching Millie and James, and the cooking vids
Good job! 😊 The 1st time that I had a Monte Cristo, it had ham, turkey, and cheese. It was cut into 2 triangles, battered, then deep fried. Once plated, they sprinkled powdered sugar over it. 😮 It was served with a raspberry-jalapeno jam. It sounded like a weird combination, but it was delicious. Ty
A very valiant first attempt my lady. It was close but a touch off. Excellent job though and thanks for the video. Others have elaborated below on further steps for an authentic Monte Cristo.
okay Vicky i've got a weird sammich for your that doesn't sound like it would work but it does, its called an elena ruth, its turkey, cream cheese, and jam toasted on a bun.
Reputedly someone was loooking thru an old Cuban cookbook and there was the Elena Ruz - the story goes that this socialite in the 1930's would go to the El Carmelo Restaurant in Vedado and order it - and you must make it on white bread with crusts removed and lightly toasted. Then we made them here again and the residents went wild & started talking about the sandwich & how much they liked them! It is stated to use jelly and I heard all sorts of wonderful stories about their lives in Cuba (before Castro). So it's a Cuban inspired sandwich... I'm guessing this got its name change due to someone misunderstanding the name Ruz, thought they said Ruth, now you can find it using either. Mom has a "Frickadilly" recipe, I'm sure she got from a neighbor, friend or co-worker, someone w/ a German (Frikadellen), Danish or Swedish (Frikadeller) heritage. Basically it's just meatballs on a cream of Mushroom soup, cooked separately about 3/4 of the time, the meatballs get drained, then combined w/ the cream of mushroom soup for the last 1/4 or so of cooking time in oven, Frickadilly! (Or more likely, Frikadellen or Frikadeller).
Monte Cristo is tied with a French Dip as my favorite sandwich. If the sandwich is on the menu, I always get it. It needs raspberry preserves on it with a dusting of icing sugar. It has to be made fresh or it gets dried up .
The Count of Monte Cristo is a great book as well as the movies! I like the version with Guy Pearce. The joy of the Monte Cristo is the combination of sweet and savory. In the versions I've had, the bread is basically French Toast (pain perdu) with either grape or strawberry jam, turkey, ham, and swiss cheese on the inside, fried as you did. Topped with confectioner's sugar and either more jam or maple syrup. It's that lovely blur of breakfast and lunch/dinner that Americans love. ❤ You're doing wonderfully!! Keep it up.
I found a Monte Crisco breakfast casserole for Christmas morning. I think we will put itogether the night before and bake the next morning. I found the recipe on Pinterest.
I have had Monte Cristo sandwhiches before but they have ham & turkey on them....and yes is sweet and savory thing with jam(maybe some cranberry sauce?) and powdered sugar. Looks delicious, I need to make some of those soon :)
Nice job on the sandwich, you can modify it to your taste, less mustard, more mayo, add sliced turkey, use a different cheese, or bread, add some sweet jam on the side. Lots of options.
I saw the 1975 version of The Count of Monte Cristo with Richard Chamberlain. There was a newer version made about 20 years ago. Lovely sandwich, by the way.
I am pretty sure the Momte Cristo sandwich was first made in Paris, France... it became very popular in the USA in the 1930s. You are an excellent cook! ❤
I know you made clam chowder, but you need to try New England clam chowder. It would have clams, potatoes, onions and either cream or milk or a combination of cream and milk. It is wonderful on a cold winter day.
The count of monte Christo has many iderations . All good . I used to get this at a restaraunt in Jacksonville in the 90s . They closed down 😞 But , they were always dusted in powdered sugar
I love Monte Cristo sandwiches. First one I tried was in a hotel restaurant in downtown Milwaukee.The best ones ever were at an Irish Pub we used to frequent. The jam there was boysenberry, or something like that. Texas toast is the bread that I've seen used most -nice and thick. Make it French toast, only not too sweet, perhaps no sugar in the batter. Two slices. Ham and turkey with Swiss cheese. NO mayo or mustard, though I add mayo on my own. Only a brief dipping in the batter, then fry it. I know I am different from other commenters here, but I don't really care if it has powdered sugar on it, or if so, just a dusting. Please try again. You are brave to cook all these recipes from another country for the first time, on camera!. To me, any recipe needs tweaking in some way, and the second time around goes better. I usually only eat one quarter or one half of a Monte Cristo at a time. They are wonderful, but a rich food. Utterly delightful. They are more like an experience rather than just lunch.
James mom should make you guys a "Country bowl". It's egg, sausage or your choice of meat, skillet potatoes, white pepper gravy, and your choice of seasoning, I like cayenne pepper. Everything but the gravy should be chopped and scrambled. It's a good and hearty breakfast on the weekend. Some people put steak and onion. If you really want to feel southern, you could make a livermush and egg sandwich. Some people love Fried Chicken and Waffles. Country fried Steak with white pepper gravy is delicious. Cheesy grits is a great way to start eating grits, its thinly chopped corn.
Not even close! It should be ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and spicy mustard on white bread. Dip the entire sandwich in egg batter and fry like French toast. Always serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and raspberry or currant jam for dipping.
better to use sliced cheese , completely coat the sandwich in the egg mix, crisp up really good and coat with powdered sugar. raspberry jam is usually used as a dip, i like raspberry jalapeno jelly ... enjoy
The batter looks a little thin for a Monte Cristo. I like a thicker batter that seals the sandwich entirely so there's no openings on the sides. Like everyone's saying, dusting of powdered aka confectioner's sugar and raspberry jam finishes it off.
It's funny. They're cheese toastie is supposed to be an equivalent of our grilled cheese sandwich and we make grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet or a cook top usually. So, makes me wonder. When they make their "toastie" are they actually toasting the bread and then putting cheese on it? That wouldn't melt the cheese much if so. Yes, per the comments below, you should sprinkle the Monte Cristo with powered sugar/confectioners sugar and have jam on the side for dipping.
This monte cristo sandwich is a good effort from your mum, but it's supposed to have turkey,as well and then dusted with powdered sugar. Perhaps she will try it that way. I think you will love it even more. Love the cooking videos and Vicki ❤.
I haven’t seen one on a menu in decades. I think of them as a 60s-70s thing, but when I was a kid I loved them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were popularized even before that.
Always a dusting of powdered sugar ( icing sugar) on top and raspberry jam for dipping.
It's supposed to be sweet (powdered sugar - known as icing sugar in the UK - and raspberry jam on the side)
It really needs a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of Raspberry jam to dip it in
yeah just about every monte cristo will be served like that. also idk how it usually is, but more slices of thin ham is usually better than 1 thick one.
I did a thin smear of the jam on the mid level. It was nice
Yes. This is orthodox… at least in the US.
@@nullakjg767 Definitely. I agree that restaurant/deli sandwiches that you'll get here in the states, use very thinly sliced meats, kind of loosely piled onto the sandwich. I think it makes eating the sandwich easier, since thicker meat isn't usually as tender as the thinly sliced meats. A Monte Cristo also has turkey, as well as the ham and slices of Swiss or Gruyer cheese, not shredded cheese. As much as I love Vickie's cooking segments, I'm baffled about where she finds her recipes. She's done several "American" dishes, but the ingredients and/or the preparation have been nothing like what you'd see here in the US with some of them. Her "Carolina Crab Boil" turned out to be a very nice looking crabmeat salad, but as someone who was raised in South Carolina, I can confidently say that it wasn't even close to being a crab or seafood boil.
I am not, in any way, knocking Vickie's cooking skills. I've happily watched and enjoyed all of her cooking segments and it's obvious that she is a wonderful cook who knows her way around a kitchen. It's just that so many of the recipes she's used so far, are so off the mark, that I'm hard pressed to understand where on Earth they're coming from. Maybe it's just that she needs to use the words "authentic" or "origional" in her searches, before the names of the dishes she wants to make/try. They all seem to want to try authentic "American foods" and the recipes she's been finding are making that impossible in some cases. I sincerely just want them to experience the dishes she makes, just as they'd be prepared and served here in the US.
One of my favorite sandwiches! Must be dusted in powdered sugar and must have raspberry jam to eat with each bite. So good!
I’ve never had mustard on it. Traditional that I have is ham, turkey and cheese on white bread, egg on bread and grilled or fried, dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam.
@@janp719 ... It's been a very long time since I've had one, and I can't remember if it had mustard on it or not. Definitely needs the powdered sugar and raspberry jam though, or it's just not a Monte Cristo, at least to me it's not.
@@buddystewart2020 same. I've never made one, but I definitely don't recall it having mustard. (I hate mustard, so I'm sure I'd have noticed.)
The Monte Cristo sandwich is in my top 5 of all time. The only things missing are a dusting of powdered sugar and either maple syrup or strawberry jam to dip it in. Raspberry jam is my personal favorite to use.
Also turkey and swiss
@@Supremewin777 Correct. If you're just using ham, it's not an authentic Monte Cristo. It would basically be a fancy grilled ham and cheese. Also, the 2 deli meats should be sliced very, very thinly and the Swiss cheese should be sliced, not shredded. I've had both raspberry jam and maple syrup on the side, but I've never had it with strawbwrry jam. Maple syrup can be excellent to dip, as long as it's real, pure maple syrup. The stuff in the squeezy bottle from the grocery store is much too thick and the "maple flavoring" they use, lacks the depth of the real deal. Like you, I prefer raspberry jam, but the strawberry sounds like it might be yummy, too!
Lovely sandwich. Needs jam for dipping and a dusting of powdered sugar.
This lady is an absolute jewel. Love her cooking segments.
The Monte Cristo sandwiches I've had were completely covered in the egg mixture. So the sides are also covered. In other words....it was encased in the egg mixture. Top was dusted in powdered sugar & served with warm maple syrup. Which I drenched the sandwich in.
😊 Vicky, just to see other viewers have told you, Montecristo sandwiches need a setting of powdered sugar and raspberry jam. Try it again it’s a wonderful sandwich!
Gotta only dip briefly into the egg mix. No mustard or Mayo needed…maybe butter. Make sure to have Turkey and ham and dust with powdered sugar at the end and dip in strawberry or raspberry jam. Please try this one again! It’s really delicious. You just gotta try it.
I’ve had it with and without mustard so I think either way is correct. The mustard adds to the sweet/savory aspect. Yummy either way.
@@Desertflower725 ... Yeah, seems like there are recipies out there both ways. I've even seen some that don't have powered sugar or raspberry jam to dip it in, which I personally think it strange. I mean to me, it's just not a Monte Cristo at that point.
@ , I usually love mustard too, but no jam,powdered sugar or Turkey just means this sandwich is seriously lacking what it’s supposed to be. They basically didn’t really taste a proper Monte Cristo.
It is common to have mayo and mustard, although I’ve seen it mayo only.
Ummm... Mustard and mayo is needed
James, you still haven't had a Monte Cristo sandwich. The sandwich you're eating is lovely, but it is basically a ham and cheese sandwich dipped in egg and fried. We call this a grilled ham and cheese. To be an authentic Monte Cristo, it needs ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese without mayonnaise or mustard. The meats are usually thin sliced and several slices of each are put on the bread, along with the Swiss cheese. Some people use three slices of bread while others prefer two slices. The bread is then dipped briefly into an egg and milk mixture and fried in butter. The cooked sandwich is cut in half diagonally, sprinkled with confectioner's sugar, and served with a jam of your choice. Dip the sandwich into the jam before each bite.
With the turkey, ham, and Swiss Cheese machine-sliced THINLY (creating more surface area, increasing the flavor) - preferably on a brioche bread - though Dijon mustard is used in the classic Monte Cristo sandwich (definitely no mayo) - and placed into a hot buttered skillet on the stove.
Back in the 1970s as a cook in a restaurant I made thousands of them. Made exactly as you described, only difference was we also sprinkled a little cinnamon on top along with the powdered sugar and it was served with a side of maple syrup.
@@eileensien514I made thousands of them in the 1970s as a cook. We never put mustard on them.
@Supremewin777 You would definitely be able to answer this question for me then... I, too, ate them made much the way you made them (although being embedded in Southern traditional cooking, we had a thicker "batter" and they were deep fried) and I thought the addition of mustard might be a delicious option. What do you think? A really tangy brown mustard maybe? Still with the powdered sugar and jam or syrup? Sounds tasty to me! 😊
@@AxlezBubby I think It's a matter of taste between the maple syrup or jam. I would not put mustard on it unless you're a big mustard lover. You could always put mustard on the side and dip. Then you will know for sure.
Vicky, you talk about your son and his wife like they're little children. He's still your little boy in your eyes.
I love that. That is precious. I melted.
I’ve only ever seen and had them served with a side of jam, never mayo or mustard on them.
This was a sandwich from the ‘60’s. There is only 1 place in my city that serves it like back then. I indulge once or twice a year. It reminds me of being a kid. I always thought of it as a French toast sandwich with ham, turkey and Swiss, deep fried, dipped in raspberry preserves and dusted with powdered sugar (icing sugar).
My first thought was 1960s. What’s next, ambrosia salad? lol
@@charlesblaicher7589 Ambrosia salad is the bomb!! I honest to goodness make it like every other month for the simple fact that I freakin love it! I may be a weirdo for making it that often, but I have never met a person that I shared it with who didn't like it...with the exception of my neighbor who said she gets an itchy throat every time she eats something with pineapple in it. But who would keep eating stuff with pineapple in it? That'd scare the 💩 right outta me that I'd die trying to eat something completely avoidable and I'd never get near the stuff again! 😁
You need to dust it with powdered sugar and serve it with jam or preserves.
I used to get Monte Cristo sandwiches at the golf course I used to work at in NC. The lady that made them would add in polish sausage and actually batter the outside of it and sprinkle powdered sugar over it after coming out of the fryer. Some folks would put a jam or jelly on the outside of it as well.
Also, I saw The Count of Monte Cristo a long, long time ago. Haven't seen it in forever.
@@WestTXRedneck1972 It sounds as if you had a 100% authentic Southern American rendition of a fantastic sandwich. There would be a huge difference between the ones we've had & the one James' mom cooked up. I'm sure it was quite yummy...it looked it for sure. It just wasn't a Monte Cristo. Hopefully they'll try it again, because I think the comments are overwhelmingly leading them to that conclusion. The movie was a good one, too. It's totally worth a re-watch if it's been a while. I'm sure it's free somewhere 😊
Ms Vickie, nice job. Typically the Monet Cristo is lightly dusted with powdered sugar after you have cooked it and served with raspberry jam on the side. It’s kind of a combo of sweet and savory. You might give that a go the next time and see what you think of it
Hard to find, but I always order it when I eat at the Blue Bayou at Disneyland.
Most diners have them. 😊
James your mom is such a doll. I love seeing here here on the channel cooking. Its so much fun. All my love to James, Millie, Archie, and Vicki!
Kind of like a old Raggedy Ann doll😂😂😂
needs a small amount of berry preserves to dip the sandwich in on the side
The Monte Cristo sandwich is is basically just a Fried Ham and Cheese sandwich, it's dipped in an egg batter before frying. When I was younger I always though it was a Monkey Crisco sandwich and I never ate it because Crisco is like a white vegetable grease used for cooking, I thought a sandwich made from that would be disgusting. Sometime in my teens I learned what it actually was.
😂
Tell your mum I love watching her cook
Sorry, but that's not a Monte Cristo sandwich, that's a grilled ham and cheese. A Monte Cristo has ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese slices (Swiss only). It's also dusted with powered sugar and has a raspberry preserve dipping sauce. It's very popular for brunch in the US.
Yup, that's how I remember it. It's been a long time since I've had one. The last one I had I think was dipped in batter and deep fried too.
Yep, I have to agree. That's just a ham and cheese sandwich!
Not popular in US. I've never heard of it. Must be a gimmick some New York restaurant sells for $22 dollars. Lol
@@trish2872 .... lolol, you must be kinda young I'm thinkin'.
@@trish2872 it's popular in the US, you just never heard of it. It's basically a fancy French toast sandwich usually served for brunch. It's freaking delicious.
No crust. double decker with turkey and ham and cheese. Durkee sauce. Waffle batter. Hold together with a tooth pick. Fry on each side and edges. Serve with berry jam.
Glad to know I'm not the only one that knows what Durkee sauce is. I love it and it is also great on Turkey sandwiches among many other things.
My daughter and I were just talking about Monte Cristos tonight. She's never had one either. You've inspired me to make one for her.
If you like this, I bet you'd love a Cuban sandwich!
I really enjoy the cooking videos. My question to all three of you is, are there any of the foods you have made more than once? If so, have you let any family and friends try it also?
Ham, Turkey, Swiss on dipped/fried bread... With jam and powdered sugar or syrup.
I’ve only had ham and Swiss. I’ve never had one with turkey or chicken.
@@pacmanc8103Ham, turkey, swiss 😊
Aww I love what you said about the family. I really have never made one, just had in a restaurant several times. It’s a sweet savory thing though from what I know, so usually it’s a served with powdered sugar on top and jam. This looked good though. But without those things it’s just kind of a grilled cheese with meat sandwich.
Interesting recipe with the mayo and mustard. I’ve only had the Monte Cristo as a breakfast French toast sandwich, with the cheese, ham and made like French toast - soaked in egg and fried in butter, and then you put maple syrup on it, it’s one of my favorite breakfast foods.
Funny, I’ve never made this sandwich at home and really had forgotten about it, but I’m now inspired to make it myself, thanks Vicky. The day has been very cold but I love cold weather so much better than hot. My tea will wait since I’m resting now watching you after a late dinner.
She made it wrong, it is a ham, turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich dipped in tench toast batter and deep fried.
Without the powdered sugar and the dip, it's just a fancy grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
Full kudos to Vicki for her dedication. I’m American and I’ve never had a Monte Cristo sandwich!
American mustard is like most other American things. There’s a wide range of styles made, from not spicy to very spicy!
Good first effort. But next time, no mayo. And sliced not shredded Swiss cheese. Also, you forgot the sliced turkey or chicken. You're also supposed to sprinkle the finished sandwich with a good amount of powdered sugar and serve it with a small bowl of warm strawberry or raspberry jam for dipping.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a Monte Cristi made with anything but ham and Swiss cheese - no turkey or chicken. The cheese doesn’t really matter all that much because it melts, but I suppose slices would melt more evenly. Agree about the dusting of powdered sugar - to me that and the egg battered make the sandwich.
Every Monte Cristo I've had has been ham, turkey, swiss cheese, mustard, and battered in egg based batter, similar to french toast batter, with the finished sandwich dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam, raspberry being the most common. Also all the sandwiches so far have used 3 slices of bread. My fave version so far has been the Disneyland version with Bennigan's being a close second.
@ I’m with you on everything but turkey and 3 slices of bread. They’re one of my favorites, along with Ruebens and club sandwiches (which do have 3 bread slices, at least the ones I’ve had).
In New England, we usually dip them in maple syrup. I've never had mustard on them.
Also Pennsylvania. A little cinnamon and powdered sugar on top and maple syrup
Love Vicky! Yeah the Count of Monte Cristo 2002! Love that movie too! Great job!
Love the mom videos. Serve the sandwich with some jam though. Game changer
Please try it again! I know you'd LOVE the real Monte Cristo! Also, you should watch the movie (The Count of Monte Cristo) before hand so you'll know what it was named after 😊
As a professional chef who has made hundreds of Monte Cristo sandwiches I can say with no disrespect that this is the worst iteration of a Monte Cristo I have ever seen. Though the concept of dipping the sandwich in batter and frying it is correct, the rest is pretty much wrong. You can make it as a single decker or double decker, but the bread should be even thicker cut, the batter should be a French Toast batter that would include a little sugar, cinnamon and vanilla, the filling should be layers of thin sliced ham with turkey breast and Swiss & Cheddar cheeses. After frying, the sandwich should be cut, dusted with powdered sugar and served with either berry jam or maple syrup (none of the fake stuff please) for dipping. It’s also acceptable to deep fry the entire sandwich. But PLEASE, no mustard or mayo.
You have my favorite comment. I honestly think I may try this on Christmas Eve.
@@kristinallison5970 aw thanks. Ironically, I happened to have the ingredients on hand and made one for myself after watching this video. 🤣
So do I make the sandwich first then dip in the french toast mixture to fry? I'm 54 years old from the Midwest so this isn't as popular as she thinks! But I want to do it right! I think I have everything but the turkey! Lol all turkeyed out! Just threw out the last from Thanksgiving!😂💗
Welcome to the channel, seems to be a common theme here. Not sure where they are doing their research...
Ironically, this one is actually more accurate than some of her other creations.
It's comical, really...
@@mrtyreus0 I’m sure they think the same about Americans making British food. I’m guessing they get their recipes online, probably from British sources. At least they are trying American themed food.
Ms Vickie, you are so brave in your endeavors in making American food. As for thus sandwich, I've never eaten one. Even though you've gotten comments saying you did it wrong, I'm glad you enjoyed what you made. Wishing you the best in life. Keep it up. I love ❤️ watching you.
Where's the jam? That's what really gives the sandwich great taste.
THIS IS NOT A MONTE CRISTO!! It looks lovely, but is missing crucial elements!! HAS to be dipped in more of a batter than just egg. Is more deep fried than pan fried. And ALWAYS served covered in a sprinkling of powdered sugar and with sweet jam (strawberry, raspberry, red plum, etc.). I would totally eat the sandwich your sweet momma lovingly made for you, cuz it looked yummy! 😊 But that's more like our french toast (on the outside at least) with ham & cheese on the inside. Monte Cristo has ham and turkey, and ALWAYS yummy melty swiss. It's slightly difficult to make at home because not everyone has a deep fryer. I have made it in a shallow fry pan situation and finessed it into a very yummy dish, but the deep fryer is really the authentic way to go😊
Deep frying is a variation on the original, which was pan fried with an egg wash like done here.
@AnnieDC304 that doesn't surprise me... Often in America, if we can find a way to make it fattier, it'll get there eventually! Also, once you sprinkle the powdered sugar on the deep fried doughy delight, it always reminds me of the funnel cakes we get at the fair. Not healthy but any stretch, but yyuuummmmmmmyyy! 😁
The Count of Monte Cristo (French: Le Comte de Monte-Cristo) is an adventure novel written by French author Alexandre Dumas (père) serialized from 1844 to 1846. It is one of the author's most popular works, along with The Three Musketeers. It has been adapted to film and TV over 50 times since 1908.
Love watching all the great cooking videos. So nice to see you all enjoy the foods. I'll bet that sandwich was delicious 🙂
Monte Cristo was a character in a famous book by French author Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo, who also authored the Three Musketeers. There have been countless movies based on the story. The sandwich Monte Cristo was named simply because of its use of "French toast". The sandwich became most popular after it was added to the menu of the Cafe Orleans in California's Disneyland - which I've had, and agree it is delicious. I seem to remember there was powdered sugar dusted on top? -I enjoy you're cooking videos, well done.
That is not a Monty Christo.
Apparently it's a variation of a similar French sandwich from the early 1900's ,called a croque monsieur and became popular in the US in the 1950's. The cheese is traditionally either Swiss or Gruyere and it usually also has turkey and you can use either Mayo or mustard (or both) although mustard is the traditional choice. I've personally never had a Monte Cristo served with powdered sugar or jelly, maybe it's a thing but I don't remember having it.
Get yourself a hot plate so that you can cook while facing the camera. So much easier. I've never had this sandwich but heard of it. Looks great.
The finishing touch, dusting with powdered sugar and served with a side of raspberry jam is really what makes it a Monte Cristo. Some even grill it with the jam inside the sandwich. Otherwise, this is a basic grilled ham and cheese sandwich. However, great job, mom!
Where's the dusting of powdered sugar and the raspberry jam for dipping? Traditional Monte Cristo Sandwiches have both.
It's my favorite sandwich but hard to make a really good one. Lots involved in getting it right. You did good!
Someone might recall Belisle's Restaurant in Garden Grove next to Disneyland. I'm nostalgic for the Monte Cristo sandwich it used to serve. So good.
Thicker bread, and more ham, next sprinkle it over with powered sugar and a side bowl of raspberry preserves for dipping into.
Looks good! I recommend eating these with jam or maple syrup to dip in.
James, your mom is so lovely!
This is not a Monte Crisco sandwich, it's just a fried ham and cheese sandwich, with very little ham.
Try a Hot Brown Sandwich! It originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville Kentucky. It's a hot turkey sandwich smothered with a cheese bechamel sauce, and topped with tomato and bacon.
The Hot Brown is good too!
Great idea however I've seen her screw up enough sandwiches for now.
The first time I had this sandwich was at a casino in Las Vegas in the 70's. It was a double decker. There was ham, and turkey, cheese, dipped in a batter and deep fried. Strawberry jam and powered sugar on top. Done any other way is just a grilled cheese sandwich.
I agree with many others... it should be like a deli sliced turkey, ham and cheese stuffed pancake with with a dusting of sugar, served with syrup, jam or jelly.
My favorite version of this sandwich is not pan-fried but battered and deep-fried, and consists of challah, ham, turkey, cheddar and Jack cheese, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Looks delicious great job
We made grilled peanutbutter and jam sandwiches for lunch today. You should try making grilled reubens. They are delicious too.
Vickie (old HS Girlfriend’s name) just make Grilled Cheese & soup. 100% American. 3 slices of American cheese and Tomato soup, Chicken Noodle, or Beef Vegetable with barley. You choose your favorite. It is the least costly but #1 in kids’ hearts! You like beans & toast, but GC& Soup is the #1 for everyone. 30 minutes nap after, and then ready to tackle the world.
Never heard of mayonnaise and mustard on the sandwich, but 2 things are missing. Power sugar, and maple syrup. Makes it so much better. Scott from the USA.
Love watching Millie and James, and the cooking vids
Agreed
Also missing Turkey and swiss
well done, Vicky! looks perfect!!
I always enjoy your cooking..they make me hungry
Haven't had a Monte Cristo since the 70's. This video takes me back...
Only stop for moms cooking 👍
Americans have many spicy mustards.
Good job! 😊 The 1st time that I had a Monte Cristo, it had ham, turkey, and cheese. It was cut into 2 triangles, battered, then deep fried. Once plated, they sprinkled powdered sugar over it. 😮 It was served with a raspberry-jalapeno jam. It sounded like a weird combination, but it was delicious. Ty
I don’t think I’ve ever had a Monte Crisco.
A very valiant first attempt my lady. It was close but a touch off. Excellent job though and thanks for the video. Others have elaborated below on further steps for an authentic Monte Cristo.
okay Vicky i've got a weird sammich for your that doesn't sound like it would work but it does, its called an elena ruth, its turkey, cream cheese, and jam toasted on a bun.
Reputedly someone was loooking thru an old Cuban cookbook and there was the Elena Ruz - the story goes that this socialite in the 1930's would go to the El Carmelo Restaurant in Vedado and order it - and you must make it on white bread with crusts removed and lightly toasted. Then we made them here again and the residents went wild & started talking about the sandwich & how much they liked them! It is stated to use jelly and I heard all sorts of wonderful stories about their lives in Cuba (before Castro). So it's a Cuban inspired sandwich... I'm guessing this got its name change due to someone misunderstanding the name Ruz, thought they said Ruth, now you can find it using either. Mom has a "Frickadilly" recipe, I'm sure she got from a neighbor, friend or co-worker, someone w/ a German (Frikadellen), Danish or Swedish (Frikadeller) heritage. Basically it's just meatballs on a cream of Mushroom soup, cooked separately about 3/4 of the time, the meatballs get drained, then combined w/ the cream of mushroom soup for the last 1/4 or so of cooking time in oven, Frickadilly! (Or more likely, Frikadellen or Frikadeller).
Monte Cristo is tied with a French Dip as my favorite sandwich. If the sandwich is on the menu, I always get it. It needs raspberry preserves on it with a dusting of icing sugar. It has to be made fresh or it gets dried up .
RUBENS
The Count of Monte Cristo is a great book as well as the movies! I like the version with Guy Pearce.
The joy of the Monte Cristo is the combination of sweet and savory. In the versions I've had, the bread is basically French Toast (pain perdu) with either grape or strawberry jam, turkey, ham, and swiss cheese on the inside, fried as you did. Topped with confectioner's sugar and either more jam or maple syrup.
It's that lovely blur of breakfast and lunch/dinner that Americans love. ❤
You're doing wonderfully!! Keep it up.
I found a Monte Crisco breakfast casserole for Christmas morning. I think we will put itogether the night before and bake the next morning. I found the recipe on Pinterest.
No mustard or mayo. Dust with icing sugar and serve with raspberry jam. Some people put maple syrup instead of sugar.
I have had Monte Cristo sandwhiches before but they have ham & turkey on them....and yes is sweet and savory thing with jam(maybe some cranberry sauce?) and powdered sugar. Looks delicious, I need to make some of those soon :)
Nice job on the sandwich, you can modify it to your taste, less mustard, more mayo, add sliced turkey, use a different cheese, or bread, add some sweet jam on the side. Lots of options.
I saw the 1975 version of The Count of Monte Cristo with Richard Chamberlain. There was a newer version made about 20 years ago. Lovely sandwich, by the way.
I am pretty sure the Momte Cristo sandwich was first made in Paris, France... it became very popular in the USA in the 1930s. You are an excellent cook! ❤
It's already been said, but they're all correct. It should be dusted with powdered sugar, and raspberry jam. BlackBerry jam is good too.
Monte Cristo sandwich comes from France in the early 19'00s. never seen them with mustard or mayo
She couldn't master toast on a BLT, so she can't really be trusted with a more difficult sandwich.
I am loving the cooking videos. Vickie could have her own channel. Keep them coming.
I know you made clam chowder, but you need to try New England clam chowder. It would have clams, potatoes, onions and either cream or milk or a combination of cream and milk. It is wonderful on a cold winter day.
I love Monte Cristo sandwiches. They remind me of my two favorite foods, French toast and grilled cheese. 😁
The count of monte Christo has many iderations . All good .
I used to get this at a restaraunt in Jacksonville in the 90s . They closed down 😞
But , they were always dusted in powdered sugar
I love Monte Cristo sandwiches. First one I tried was in a hotel restaurant in downtown Milwaukee.The best ones ever were at an Irish Pub we used to frequent. The jam there was boysenberry, or something like that.
Texas toast is the bread that I've seen used most -nice and thick. Make it French toast, only not too sweet, perhaps no sugar in the batter. Two slices. Ham and turkey with Swiss cheese. NO mayo or mustard, though I add mayo on my own. Only a brief dipping in the batter, then fry it. I know I am different from other commenters here, but I don't really care if it has powdered sugar on it, or if so, just a dusting.
Please try again. You are brave to cook all these recipes from another country for the first time, on camera!. To me, any recipe needs tweaking in some way, and the second time around goes better.
I usually only eat one quarter or one half of a Monte Cristo at a time. They are wonderful, but a rich food. Utterly delightful. They are more like an experience rather than just lunch.
Anyone 3lse shouting No No No at the screen ... as soon as she pulled out mustard, the shouting took over lol
James mom should make you guys a "Country bowl". It's egg, sausage or your choice of meat, skillet potatoes, white pepper gravy, and your choice of seasoning, I like cayenne pepper. Everything but the gravy should be chopped and scrambled. It's a good and hearty breakfast on the weekend. Some people put steak and onion. If you really want to feel southern, you could make a livermush and egg sandwich. Some people love Fried Chicken and Waffles. Country fried Steak with white pepper gravy is delicious. Cheesy grits is a great way to start eating grits, its thinly chopped corn.
The count of monte cristo??
Yes - I think that’s who the sandwich is named after, long before the films.
That's not a American Monte Cristo
Not even close! It should be ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and spicy mustard on white bread. Dip the entire sandwich in egg batter and fry like French toast. Always serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and raspberry or currant jam for dipping.
better to use sliced cheese , completely coat the sandwich in the egg mix, crisp up really good and coat with powdered sugar. raspberry jam is usually used as a dip, i like raspberry jalapeno jelly ... enjoy
The batter looks a little thin for a Monte Cristo. I like a thicker batter that seals the sandwich entirely so there's no openings on the sides. Like everyone's saying, dusting of powdered aka confectioner's sugar and raspberry jam finishes it off.
Great video
It's funny. They're cheese toastie is supposed to be an equivalent of our grilled cheese sandwich and we make grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet or a cook top usually. So, makes me wonder. When they make their "toastie" are they actually toasting the bread and then putting cheese on it? That wouldn't melt the cheese much if so.
Yes, per the comments below, you should sprinkle the Monte Cristo with powered sugar/confectioners sugar and have jam on the side for dipping.
This monte cristo sandwich is a good effort from your mum, but it's supposed to have turkey,as well and then dusted with powdered sugar. Perhaps she will try it that way. I think you will love it even more. Love the cooking videos and Vicki ❤.
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Vicky,I believe I saw it years ago,but did you know the movie has been made 29 times with Monte Cristo in the title.
I've never had a monte cristo sandwich, living in America all my life.
It’s an old.
I haven’t seen one on a menu in decades. I think of them as a 60s-70s thing, but when I was a kid I loved them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were popularized even before that.
You are such a sweet lady, please stop trying American sanwiches before you start a war.
No one would start a war with her, she's too sweet and earnst!