…And we’re back!

Welcome to the second year of unResolution Month, 31 days of recipes designed to absolutely destroy any healthy New Year’s Resolutions you might make.  (Or conversely, give you something to look forward to when you hit your goal weight.)  This is the start of Fried Week, which will be followed up by Dessert Week, Vegan Week, and Burger Week.  Plus, there will be a few surprises along the way as well.

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get Fried Week started!

Monte Cristos

What is a Monte Cristo?  Well, take everything you love about a panini, now cover it in pancake batter and deep fry it.  Then top with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jelly for dipping.  I’m pretty sure the first person to ever make a Monte Cristo did it on a dare, but they’re perfect for unResolution month.  Or in my wife’s case, Christmas Day while opening presents.

Me?  I don’t get them.  The mixture of savory ham, turkey, and Swiss with the sweet from the sugar and jelly is not for me.  However, I seem to be in the minority so I kicked off unResolution Month and Fried Food week with them. 

Now, all you have to do is make, fry, and eat up!  What better way to start the New Year?

Making unResolution Month Monte Cristos

The recipe I’ve included here is what my mother-in-law downloaded on RecipeZaar on Christmas Day and what my wife followed almost to the letter.  Where she made changes, I have made them below, but they are fairly superficial.

You will need:

• 12 slices of white bread
• 8 slices ham
• 8 slices turkey
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices American cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• peanut oil for frying
• powdered sugar
• raspberry jelly

Create the sandwiches by taking a piece of bread, adding 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese, then another piece of bread, 2 slices of turkey, a slice of American cheese, and the final piece of bread.  Repeat to make four sandwiches. 

Secure the sandwich with toothpicks in each corner and one in the middle.

Bring the oil to 350 degrees in a fryer.

Next, beat the egg and the water together.  Then add the salt, sugar, flour, and baking powder and beat the batter until smooth.

Dip the sandwich into the batter and immediately put it in the fryer.  Fry until golden brown.  Set on a cooling rack or paper towels to let the oil drain off.

Top with powdered sugar and serve with jelly.  Enjoy!