Monte Cristo Sandwich, healthier version

• Monte Cristo Sandwich

butter in pan for frying

2/3 cup water
1 egg
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 slices white bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices turkey
4 slices ham
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

berry preserves to dip (optional)

Directions

1. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper; whisk into the egg mixture until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator.
2. Assemble sandwiches by placing one slice of turkey on one slice of bread, a slice of ham on another, then sandwich them with the Swiss cheese in the middle. Cut sandwiches into quarters, and secure with toothpicks.
3. Dip each sandwich quarter in the batter so that all sides are coated.  Fry in a pan with enough butter to keep from sticking.  Cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove toothpicks and arrange on a serving tray. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving. Serve with favorite berry preserves. 

I haven't had one of these famed sandwiches served in Disneyland, but I have heard enough rave reviews that we had to try them.  Were they loved at my house for dinner?  No question- they had powdered sugar on them after all!   

Favorite Taco Salad

Favorite Taco Salad
(from sixsistersstuff.com)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans or black beans
• 1 cup (about half a bottle) Catalina salad dressing (I used a lite dressing)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• Tortilla chips
• Your favorite taco toppings: cheese, tomato, avocado, olives, sour cream, salsa, etc

Directions: 
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans and Catalina dressing. Add 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 
Set out meat mixture, lettuce, chips, and all other taco toppings. Let everyone assemble their own salad. Top with salad dressing of choice.

We have made this several times over the summer and it hits the spot every time.  All the kids like it, it isn't as spicy as other Mexican dishes due to the more sweet Catalina dressing.  Our new taco salad of choice.