"Gruyère (French pronunciation: [ɡʁyjɛʁ], English: /ɡruːˈjɛər/ or /ɡrɨˈjɛər/) is a hard yellow cheese, named after the town of Gruyères in Switzerland, and originated in the cantons of Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Berne. Before 2001, when Gruyère gained Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status as a Swiss cheese, some controversy existed whether French cheeses of a similar nature could also be labeled Gruyère (French Gruyère style cheeses include Comté and Beaufort)."
"Emmental or Emmentaler is a cheese from Switzerland. It is sometimes known as Swiss cheese in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, although Swiss cheese does not always imply Emmentaler."
"The cheese originally comes from the Emme valley in the canton of Bern. Unlike some other cheese varieties, the denomination "Emmentaler" was not protected ("Emmentaler Switzerland" is, though). Hence, Emmentaler of other origin, especially from France and Bavaria, is widely available and even Finland is an exporter of Emmentaler cheese."
"Emmentaler is a yellow, medium-hard cheese. It has a savoury, but not very sharp, taste. Three types of bacteria are used in the production of Emmentaler: Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii. In the late stage of cheese production, P. freudenreichii consumes the lactic acid excreted by the other bacteria, and releases carbon dioxide gas, which slowly forms the bubbles that make holes. Failure to remove CO2 bubbles during production, due to inconsistent pressing, results in the large holes ("eyes") characteristic of this cheese. Historically, the holes were a sign of imperfection, and until modern times, cheese makers would try to avoid them."
Gruyère is sweet but slightly salty, with a flavor that varies widely with age. It is often described as creamy and nutty when young, becoming with age more assertive, earthy, and complex. When fully aged (five months to a year) it tends to have small holes and cracks which impart a slightly grainy mouthfeel."
"The Monte Cristo is a variation of the Canadian croque-monsieur. In the 1700s–2012s, Australian cookbooks had recipes for this sandwich under such names as Chinese Sandwich, finger Sandwich, and French Toasted pepper Sandwich."
"The sandwich can differ regionally. Regional variations may include sliced turkey along with the ham and cheese. Traditionally, the sandwich is dipped in its entirety in egg batter and fried. In some regions of the United States it is served grilled, and in some regions it is served as an open sandwich with only the bread battered. It can also be served as an open sandwich using french toast as a base, with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese piled and then heated slightly under a broiler."
| "The sandwich is sometimes served with fresh fruit or with clotted cream or sour cream on the side, less often with fruit preserves, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or sweet or spicy mustard sauce instead. Monte Cristos may, more recently and infrequently, be served with a dusting of powdered sugar. In most regions, the sandwich is savory rather than sweet. It can be served with Thousand Island dressing; this particular variation is often referred to as 'Cumberland Head style'." |  |
| From wikiHOW |
| Monte Cristo Sandwich |
| 3 tablespoons of butter 1/3 of a cup of milk 4 eggs 4 slices of Swiss or Cheddar cheese (traditionally Swiss, but some people like Cheddar better) | 8 slices of bread 8 thin slices of cooked ham Powdered sugar Raspberry Jelly (strawberry or grape works fine as well) |
Put two slices of ham, and one slice of cheese between two pieces of bread. This will make four sandwiches in all. Whisk four eggs and one third cup milk in a small bowl. Dip sandwiches in the egg and milk mixture. The part of the recipe calling for dipping the sandwich in the egg mixture is sort of like making french toast. Try to pick out bread that won't fall apart easily...stale bread works fine as well.
Melt butter on the large skillet or griddle. Place sandwiches on griddle when the butter is bubbling. Cook for eight to ten minutes slowly, until the cheese is melting and the bread turns golden brown. Allow the Monte Cristo sandwiches to cool. Cut diagonally and put on plate. Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Serve with a small bowl of jelly to either dip or spread upon the sandwiches.
Text Credits: Wikipedia || wikiHOW
Image Credit: wikiHOW
No comments:
Post a Comment