The Monte Cristo


      8 to 12 cups vegetable shortening

      Sandwich
      3 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
      1 slice Swiss cheese (deli-style)
      3 ounces sliced turkey (deli-style)
      1 slice American cheese (deli-style)
      3 ounces sliced ham (deli-style)

      Batter
      2 egg yolks
      1 cup ice water
      1 cup all purpose flour
      1 teaspoon baking soda

      On Top
      Powdered sugar

      On the Side
      raspberry preserves  
    

1. Heat 8 to 12 cups of shortening in a deep fryer or large saucepan to
375 degrees. You will need the hot shortening to be at least 4 inches
deep.
2. Make the sandwich by arranging the slice of Swiss cheese on a piece
of wheat bread. Arrange the turkey breast on the Swiss cheese. Place a
piece of wheat bread on the turkey. Place the slice of American cheese
on the wheat bread. Arrange the ham slices on the American cheese. Top
off the sandwich with the third slice of bread. Make sure the meat is
not hanging over the edge of the sandwich. Press down on the sandwich
with the palm of your hand to flatten it a bit.
3. Make the batter by beating the egg yolks. Stir in the ice water.
Measure the flour and baking soda into a sifter, and sift the mixture into
the ice water and egg yolk. Stir with a large spoon, but don't mix it
too well. You should still have many visible lumps in the batter.
4. Slice the sandwich in half from corner to corner. Dip one half of
the sandwich in the batter, while holding it together with your fingers
(the batter will hold the sandwich together in the shortening). Coat the
sandwich well, but let any excess batter fall off. Drop the battered
sandwich half into the oil. If your pan or fryer can fit the other half
of the sandwich, batter that piece and drop it into the fryer as well.
If your fryer is small, you may only be able to fry only one half at a
time. Fry the sandwich for 6 to 8 minutes, turning it over halfway
through cooking time. It should be golden brown when done.
5. Remove the sandwich halves to paper towels to drain. When you can
touch the sandwich, slice each half in half making four pieces. Dust the
sandwich with powdered sugar and serve it with a small bowl of
raspberry preserves.