halloween feast

photo from food network

Ok, so not exactly a feast, and not a clever assortment of gory concoctions, but this is the meal we frequently enjoy on Halloween. It's not exactly super healthy, but it's wholesome, simple, savory, and as festive as you'd like to make it. I don't believe in cutting calories on holidays.

Count of Monte Cristo Sandwiches

8 slices good quality white bread

dijon mustard

3 ounces sliced swiss cheese

3 ounces sliced sharp cheddar

6 ounces sliced cooked turkey

6 ounces sliced cooked ham

salt and pepper

3 eggs

1/3 cup milk

dash nutmeg or cayenne (optional)

unsalted butter

olive oil

Preheat oven to 350.

Spread each slice of bread with mustard. Top 4 slices of bread with half the cheese, then half the turkey, half the ham, salt & pepper. Repeat a layer of meat, then cheese and top with the remaining slices of bread, mustard side down. Press gently.

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk, season with salt and pepper and nutmeg or cayenne

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of butter, a bit of oil. Dip and coat each sandwich in egg/milk mixture and lay in the skillet. Cook until just brown, a couple minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until cheese is nice and melty, about 5-10 minutes.

We like to serve with applesauce or a tossed salad winter greens, diced apples, chopped nuts. Dessert probably comes from the trick-or-treat bag. Enjoy!