California Avocado Monte Cristo Recipes

ULTIMATE MONTE CRISTO

Steps:

• To make the Batter: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cayenne, and salt.
• Whisk in the club soda and beer.
• The mixture should be the consistency of pancake batter.
• Refrigerate until you're ready to use it.
• To assemble the Sandwiches: Set half of the slices buttered side down, and cover with the cheese slices, folding them over if they extend past the edges.
• Layer the ham and turkey over the cheese, and spread the jam over the turkey.
• Place the top slice of bread on, buttered side up.
• Grill the sandwiches on both sides.
• Pour the oil into a deep heavy-duty saucepan to fill it halfway.
• Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), measuring the temperature on a deep-fat thermometer.
• Cut the sandwiches on a diagonal into thirds, to make 9 triangular pieces.
• Stir the batter.
• Dip each sandwich piece into the batter, thoroughly coating it.
• Fry the pieces 2 or 3 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd them in the pan.
• Cook them for about 3 minutes on each side, until they're nicely browned, and transfer to a paper towel to drain.
• Allow the oil to come back up to temperature before you fry the next batch of sandwiches.
• Place the sandwiches on a platter.
• Sift a very heavy layer of powdered sugar over them, and serve with a side of jam.

CALIFORNIA AVOCADO MONTE CRISTO

Steps:

• Beat together eggs, milk, and salt.
• Reserve.
• Mix mayonnaise with garlic.
• Spread 1/2 tablespoon on one side of each slice of bread.
• Cover 4 slices of bread with avocado slices; top each with 2 slices chicken or turkey (if using) and 1 slice of cheese.
• Cover each with remaining slice of bread, spread side down.
• Diagonally cut each in half; reserve.
• In a large frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
• Meanwhile, dip 4 sandwich halves in egg, coating well.
• Brown in hot butter, about 2 minutes per side.
• Repeat with remaining sandwich halves.
• Serve each sandwich with 1/4 cup salsa.
• Garnish with cilantro sprig.