Best of Lunch: A Taste of Georgia's Aska Lodge B&B (Recipe: Monte Cristo Delight)

Submitted by Mary Jo Stamper of the Aska Lodge B&B in Blue Ridge, Georgia, this sandwich is a fun twist on grilled or open-faced Monte Cristo's, as well as a healthier alternative to traditionally deep-fried versions.

 

Emailing me to say her Aska Lodge B&B guests love this sandwich served alongside, "A big fruit salad or Inn Cuisine's own Apple Cranberry Crumble," Mary Jo says she loves it because it's, "So easy to make!"

With a recommendation like that, I had to prepare this recipe and find out for myself. The verdict? D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! Being a lover of both savory & sweet, I found the balance between layers of honey-buttered crescent rolls, smoked turkey, ham, Muenster cheese and raspberry jam harmonious, intriguing and satisfying.

Next time you're looking for a fabulous twist on lunch (or dinner), I hope you'll remember this recipe and give Mary Jo's Monte Cristo Delight a try. May your family & guests enjoy!

Monte Cristo Delight

A "Best of" Inn Cuisine, Recipe Courtesy Aska Lodge B&B

• 2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls (I used Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 6 ounces sliced smoked turkey breast
• 6 ounces sliced smoked ham
• 6 ounces sliced Muenster cheese
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1 tablespoon sesame or poppy seeds (for topping)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 standard cookie sheets (or jelly roll pans) with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Separate crescent roll dough into 4 long rectangles (2 rectangles per package) and lay rectangles onto cookie sheets (or jelly roll pans) so there are 2 rectangles of dough per baking sheet and edges/sides are not touching. Brush tops of rectangles with melted butter and honey, reserving approximately 1 tablespoon of each. Bake rectangles for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes. Carefully loosen partially-baked rectangles from baking sheets and get ready to layer sandwich.

Using a 10×15″ baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray for easy clean-up), place 1 partially-baked rectangle (buttered & honeyed side up) and top with sliced turkey. Top turkey with 2nd rectangle and layer with sliced ham and Muenster cheese. Top ham & Muenster with 3rd rectangle and layer evenly with raspberry jam. Top jam with 4th and final rectangle, brushing top of dough with reserved butter & honey and sprinkling with sesame or poppy seeds as desired. Bake sandwich at 375 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, depending on the accuracy of your oven. Crust should appear lightly browned on top and cheese should be melted. Remove from oven, allow to cool at least 5 minutes, then slice into 6-8 servings, or as desired per number of guests. Enjoy!

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Comments

[Marlen from Switzerland]

This looks so delicious, yum! Congratulations to the new site and welcome back! I was wondering: are you taking the beautiful pictures or is it the ones who submit the recipes? And will the print version include a picture?

[Sandie {A Bloggable Life}]

Marlen - Thanks for your kind words. I am always the one preparing & shooting the recipes, unless otherwise noted with a post (that way I can provide my honest opinion & feedback about each recipe). The printer-friendly recipe will NOT contain a photo, because it would require so much ink. But you can always print the recipe, then come back here to the site while making it to judge how the end product should look, if that helps.

[the urban baker]

there is nothing better than a monte cristo! i made one for my boys last week and they went nuts. this was my favorite sandwich as youngster and if I could, I would eat them everyday!

[Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer]

I love love love the Monte Cristo, they are hard to find around here, so making one I will. This looks great!