Morning Monte Cristos

Tonight's dinner looked like it might be a flop but ended up being tasty. It's from a Rachael Ray cookbook. Not at all like a Monte Cristo from Bennigans (may they rest in peace) but still very tasty. It was very sweet - I was glad I made a salty potato to go with it. Sorta like a french toast sandwich, really.

Morning Monte Cristos
2 jumbo eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2-3 drops vanilla extract
1 cup milk
2-3 pinches nutmeg
10 slices firm white toasting bread, crusts trimmed
5 teaspoons apricot jam
10 thin slices golden delicious apple
5 slices baked ham
8 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
Butter, for frying (I just used Pam)
Powdered sugar, for topping (optional)

Beat eggs for 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Add the sugar and continue to beat. Add cornstarch and vanilla and beat in. Then add milk and nutmeg and mix again.

Preheat oven to 150.

Pour 1/8 inch of batter into a 9x13 baking dish. Spread about a teaspoon of jam on 5 slices of bread. Put the bread in the pan, jam side up. Top each with 2 thin slices of apple, slice of ham folded to fit the bread, and thin layer of cheese. Top with remaining slices and pour batter over top. Lift sandwiches out and place on plate to avoid getting too soggy.

Fry sandwiches in a lightly greased frying pan over med heat until golden on each side. Keep sandwiches warm in oven until all are done. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.