My “valentine” (aka, my dear husband of almost 3 years) suggested Monte Cristos when I conferred with him for ideas for my annual Valentine’s Day panini (see last year’s Chocolate Raspberry Croissant Panini for Two!). Hot ham and swiss sandwiches grilled French toast style with powdered sugar and jam sounded sufficiently decadent to be considered special occasion fare. It’s a simple way to say “I love you”, but man is it a tasty one.
It’s funny how my concept of celebrating special occasions has changed over the years. As a little kid I tricked out my bedroom for each and every holiday. Markers, construction paper and Scotch tape were my best friends. I would cover the walls with cutouts of hearts, shamrocks, Easter eggs, autumn leaves, snowmen. Whatever the season my little blunt scissors and I were ready to ring it in.
In junior high, all the holiday regalia shifted to my earlobes. Oh yes, I was “that girl” with the big, orange dangly jack-o-lantern earrings at Halloween. Bear in mind this was the 80’s, folks. I was ecstatic when an accessories store called Piera opened up in our local strip mall with walls of terrifically gaudy costume jewelry for the bargain price of $1! Even with our paltry allowances, my friends and I could do a bit of damage in this place. And so we did.
Now that I’m a wisened adult in my 30’s I’ve toned down my celebration style to a great degree…but I still look forward to holidays and doing something a little special. Just simpler. My husband and I don’t really “do” Valentine’s Day with all the typical fanfare (roses, chocolates, reservations) anymore. Instead, we just write each other a nice card and enjoy a quiet evening at home. Because all the commercial hoopla aside, Valentine’s Day is really about love. Love and decadent food. 🙂
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My Valentine’s Monte Cristo Panini
Adapted from Everyday Food
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS:
Dijon mustard
4 slices country bread (I used Bread & Cie’s country levain)
Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
Ham, thinly sliced
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Confectioner’s sugar
Raspberry preserves
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the panini grill to medium heat (350 degrees).
Spread mustard on the bread. Layer 2 of the bread slices with Swiss cheese, ham, and cheese again. Place remaining bread slices on top.
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, turning to coat well.
Carefully place the sandwich onto the panini grill. Close the lid and grill for 4-5 minutes until the bread is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
Dust the top with confectioner’s sugar and, if desired, spoon a little raspberry preserves in the shape of a heart in the center. Another idea is to stencil in a little heart motif with the confectioner’s sugar. Happy Valentine’s Day – enjoy!
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I have never made these but remember them on the menu of a coffee house called Alphy’s here in SD years ago. I know my husband would love them. Guess I’ll have to fire up my panini press!
aww that’s a gorgeous panini! Looks so sweet and delicious!
Oh yum! I will have to try this one!
Cool!!
I’ve made the battered kind of Monte Christos for a few years, and just recently heard about the french toast style of Monte Christos, and had to try it out because it seemed so much easier than the battered/deep-fried version.
But, the french toast version were very disappointing compared to the battered/deep-fried.
Not sure if a battered sandwich could be made in a panini iron though. If it could, you’d certainly be the one to figure out how 8^)
Shreela – I haven’t tried the battered/deep-fried approach but the French toast style tasted pretty great to me!
That is GORGEOUS!
I LOVE Monte Cristos…what a great idea!
This looks so delicious! And perfect for a valentine’s day breakfast 🙂
<3
I love Monte Cristos as well..but like Shreela I cut my teeth on the battered kind that Bennigan’s serves. I think this one you prepared might be pretty tasty though. And very very pretty!
Ohhh that looks so fantastic. I haven’t made a monte cristo in a long time and I’m craving one now (yes, at midnight!) Love it. Beautiful pics too!
Just adorable. That little heart in the center is too cute!
i’m envisioning your tacky earrings and loving it. 🙂
i’m also loving everything about this sandwich–it’s simple yet completely satisfying (and the heart is a sweet touch). 🙂
i heart the jam heart.
That looks really good. I like the sweet and savoury combo.
How cute is this sandwich! I just recently bought a panini press and love it. The melted cheese looks amazing!
That looks so good. I love the jelly heart too. Nice touch.
Haven’t had 1 of those in years. Never would have entered my head as a panini possibility. Thanks for jogging my memory & showing me the light!!!!! ;o}
Great post. Never seen it with jam before. Genius and gorge!
I love making Monte Cristo Sandwiches at home! I still don’t have a panini press, but I make mine the same way except cook it in a cast iron skillet with a bit of butter. Sometimes we use both turkey and ham! So good with powdered sugar and raspberry jam!
Oooooooooooooooh. That looks good. AND you gave me an idea. I have a few slices of frozen low fat French Toast (hello, TJ’s anyone) that on their own, are not that amazing, but say, couldn’t I just turn them into a hacked version of a Monte Cristo? By jove I can! Thank you!
What a cute way to serve monte cristos. the chocolate raspberry croissant sounds great, too!
I think this looks pretty and tasty. A great Valentines day sandwich.
Kathy- this is extremely cute!!!
Kathy, this is the cutest Valentine’s sandwich ever. Not only is it adorable, but all that melted Swiss, ham and powdered sugar makes my mouth water.
Wow, I would never have thought of combining the salty ham and cheese with powdered sugar and jam… but oh man, how I wish I can have a bite out of that beauty!
I like your Valentine’s Day plans. I totally agree!
Do you know how crazy I am about this panini?! It looks amazing and perfect for the holiday. Fantastic job.
oOOH. aAAAH. yUM.
I love the concept behind this… and it looks so GOOD! You’ve done it again, Kathy!
Aw, I love the heart! Monte Cristos are the perfect sweet & savory combination.
I tried to make heart shaped pancakes…not as easy as I thought!
Golly, that panini’s real purty.
Not something I eat often but I have been craving this! Your Monte Cristo is darling! It has been years and years for me. Perfect post.
Love this sandwich! Makes such a hearty breakfast, brunch or snack! Very nicely done. Plus the movie The Count of Monte Cristo is a good one. Seen it?
I love this recipe! I will be purchasing a panini maker today. After reviewing your blog, it’s making me even more excited to make this purchase.
Monte Cristos are one of my absolute favorite sandwiches and a panini version of the deep-fried wonder is just excellent. I love your blog. I will be checking back again for more tasty recipes.
I found your website yesterday and ran out this morning to buy the ingredients for this pannini …… The monte christo is my husbands favorite and I was a little apprehensive, but let me tell you – he said it was the best monte christo he’s ever had! The only thing I did was added oscar mayer’s deli turket slices and alpine lace swiss cheese – it was to die for! He loved the raspberry heart – this is a must try – we even made some and delivered them hot to our neighbors this morning! Thanks for your awesome website and recipe – Happy Valentine’s Day! Ann
Thanks for your sweet note, Ann! So glad it was a hit with your husband, that’s great to hear. Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!