Daily Dose Of Disney: Monte Cristo Sandwich A La Blue Bayou

ANAHEIM, CA —Who is missing the beloved New Orleans square cajun inspired food during the coronavirus temporary Disneyland Resort closure? We are.

Today, Patch talked with Disneyland Resort about some of the most favorite food of the French Quarter. In our assessment, there is nothing more decadent than the Monte Cristo sandwich served at the Blue Bayou.

According to Disneyland Resort, the Monte Cristo is a southern creole specialty that has been on the menu since the restaurant opened. Made with thin-sliced turkey, Swiss Cheese, and ham on white bread, the sandwich is then cooked in a light egg batter that appeals to just about every palate. (A non-meat version is also available, they say). According to a park spokesperson, the dish is "adapted from the classic French croque-monsieur sandwich.

This sandwich is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, typically accompanied by a fresh fruit compote and topped with toasted coconut.

The Monte Cristo is one of the park originals, offered on the first-ever menu for the Blue Bayou, and it has never fallen off. It was also added to the menu at Cafe Orleans.

The resort serves well over 200 Monte Cristo sandwiches a day, they tell us. It is offered at lunch service at the Blue Bayou restaurant for about $29 per plate at Cafe Orleans for $21 per plate (don't forget your annual pass-holder discount!).

Still, it is by order of Disneyland chefs that the sandwich's recipe be offered to any who wish to ask for it at City Hall, and we are happy to share it here. (Makes 4 sandwiches).

Ingredients:

Batter:

• 1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons water
• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg

Sandwich:

• 8 slices challah or egg bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 8 thin slices of ham
• 8 thin slices of turkey
• 8 thin slices of Swiss cheese

(OR: Go meatless with the 3-cheese Monte Cristo made with Swiss, mozzarella and double-crème Brie)

Other:

• toothpicks to secure sandwich
• 3 cups Canola Oil for frying at 360 degrees
• Powdered Sugar for dusting
• Raspberry preserves or blackberry preserves - 2 tbs per sandwich

Instructions:

Line a cookie sheet with paper towels, for draining.

In a large bowl, whisk together egg and water until frothy. Gently combine mixture of flour, salt, and baking powder. Add into water/egg mixture a little at a time, whisking thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth. Scrape sides of bowl.

To compile your sandwich:

On one slice of bread, arrange 2 slices of ham, turkey, and cheese, covering the bread evenly. Place another slice of bread on top and slice each sandwich in half diagonally, holding each half into place with a toothpick.

Heat oil to between 365 degrees and 375 degrees in a 10-inch pan.

Note: Do not let the oil reach a higher temperature than this! If the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down.

Dip half of the sandwich into the batter. Before frying, allow drippings to drain. Very carefully, (using tongs) place sandwich half into the hot oil.

Repeat with the other sandwich half.

Cook approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Place the cooked sandwich on the prepared cookie sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Repeat with the other three sandwiches, making sure the oil returns to the proper temperature with each frying.

Serve with Disney Magic:

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry or blackberry preserves on the side.

Suggestion: serve with a bitter-leafed salad, such as peppery arugula, to counter the rich, creamy sweet of the sandwich.

Do you miss Disneyland as much as we do during the coronavirus shutdown? Let us know how you are doing, and share your coronavirus story with us by emailing your Patch editor: ashley.ludwig@patch.com

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