Prepare the slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, oil, hot sauce,
and salt and pepper to taste. Add peppers and onions; toss to blend. Set aside.
Savory Tomato Monte Cristo Sandwiches with Pepper Slaw
BC Hot House Foods, Inc./ The Oppenheimer Group
4 sandwich-size slices Swiss cheese
2 large beefsteak tomatoes, thinly sliced
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
8 slices bread
5 large eggs
3 tablespoons half-and-half (or milk)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Butter (or oil), for frying
Spicy ketchup, for serving (see note)
PEPPER SLAW
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
Dash of hot sauce (to taste)
Salt and pepper
3 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow
or orange), julienned
½ sweet onion, sliced in thin strips
Assemble the sandwiches by placing 1 cheese slice, 2-3 tomato slices and
basil leaves (if desired) on 4 slices of bread. Top with remaining bread slices.
In a bowl, beat together eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper and chives.
Place butter (or oil) in a skillet and heat to medium-high. Dip the bread into
the egg mixture to coat and place in the heated skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes
per side, or until the bread is crisp and golden brown.
Serve with the slaw and spicy ketchup. Makes 4 servings.
Note: To make your own spicy ketchup, add 1 minced garlic clove, a dash
of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to taste to ½ cup of ketchup. These
sandwiches are also great with chipotle sauce.
