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10% Off Gift Boxes with our Black Friday deals
We hope that you have all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now that Black Friday is upon us we wanted to share some great deals that we have for you.
We’re offering 10% off on gift boxes 1 to 6, all of which are perfect for gifting to your loved ones this year. Simply use the coupon code BLOG18 to get your discount!
Gift Box #1: Baby Swiss Cheese
Having the whole family around during the holiday season? Grab this gift box that contains a whole 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel. Our Baby Swiss is made in Charm Ohio, by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. It is a young, semi-soft whole milk cheese with small holes and a mild flavor. It also comes with chocolates for those with a sweet tooth!
Gift Box #2: Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Cheese
In this gift box, you’ll receive a 1Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring. This is a chunky, all-beef bologna with a smoky taste, created by the fourth generation of the Troyer family. You’ll also find a 3/4Lb. wheel of Farmer’s cheese and a 3/4Lb. wheel of Colby cheese. Farmer’s Cheese is a mild, unripened white cheese made by adding rennet to cow’s milk. It’s a firm and crumbly cheese; the perfect accompaniment to smoked meats. The Colby cheese provides a lovely contrast, as it is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a mild and creamy taste. We always pop in some assorted chocolates for those after-dinner cravings.
As the name suggests, this really is a cheesy box! You’ll receive a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack. Marble Cheese is made from both Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, which is why it is sometimes called “Cojack”. Pepper Jack is a cow’s milk cheese that has been given a spicy intensity through the use of jalapeno, serrano, and habanero peppers. Along with the classics Cheddar and Farmer’s Cheese, you’re sure to have the best cheese board in the neighborhood.
Gift Box #4: Amish Cheese and Goodies
This is the perfect box for a party, or to give to someone who really deserves a treat during this season. Inside you will find a 1Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, 1 Summer Sausage Link, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Colby and Pepper Jack cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Home Style Amish Jam, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates, and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
Gift Box #5: Baby Swiss Cheese and Troyer’s Trail Bologna
A classic Amish Country combination. This box contains a 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, a large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates and 6oz. of REACH coffee.
REACH coffee is a specialty grade coffee from the region of Chanchamayo, Peru, which is then roasted in Cleveland, Ohio. Perfect for those after dinner pick-me-ups.
Gift Box #6: Amish Country Sampler Gift Box
This box is the King of gift boxes. You’ll need help to carry this one! It contains a Large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, a box of Heggy’s Chocolates, Home Style Amish Jam, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Jalapeno Mustard, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack, a Baby Swiss Cheese Wedge, a Summer Sausage Link, Townhouse Crackers and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
We also have a Cyber Monday Special, which is already available, on a fantastic gift box for just $39.99 with shipping included. It includes 1 1/2 Lb. Ring of Original Troyer’s Trail Bologna, 2 Lb. Wheel of Baby Swiss Cheese and an 8 Oz. Jar of Shisler’s Private Label Mustard. This would make a great gift but it’s also a perfect addition to your store cupboard for those moments of entertaining over the holiday season.
Happy shopping this Black Friday!
Veteran’s Day: Let’s Show Our Appreciation
With Veteran’s Day approaching this weekend, we wanted to share our Veteran’s Day Care Package with you.
This is a great way to remind our heroes that we still appreciate all they do! It is perfect as a gift for our veterans or as active duty military care packages. We have included less perishable options than some of our other gift boxes, for those who wish to send a care package to military personnel stationed overseas.
There really is nothing like a little taste of home to let our men and women in uniform know they are appreciated. We will ship to any FPO-AP address via U.S. Postal service. We will also show our appreciation for our men and women in uniform by donating a portion of the proceeds from every package sold to The Wounded Warrior Project.
The Veteran’s Day Care Package Includes:
- Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel (2 Lbs.)
- Trail Bologna Ring or Beef Jerky (In non-perishable option)
- Clem’s Hot Pepper Relish – delicious with cheese and crackers!
- Banana Split Mix – cranberries, banana chips, almonds, chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate drops, pineapple tidbits, raisins, yogurt covered peanuts, peanuts, and yogurt drops all mixed together for a great trail mix
- Amish Peanut Butter Spread
- Amish Homestyle Jam
- Carr’s Crackers
We know that you love to show your appreciation and, to us, food is the perfect way to do that.
Here at Shisler’s Cheese House, we also make a range of gift boxes if the Veteran’s Care Package isn’t quite right for you.
Our Football Season Special is perfect for sports lovers. It contains Swiss Cheese, Troyer’s Trail Bologna, Pepper Jack Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Pepper Relish, and Carr’s Crackers.
The Fall Harvest Collection celebrates the best flavors of fall in Amish Country. You’ll find Baby Swiss Cheese (2 Lbs.), Streb Meats Smoked Sausage (1 Lb.), Cranberry Delight (1 Lb.), Pumpkin Muffin Mix, Pumpkin Butter, and Popcorn on the Cob inside.
If you want to show your support to a beer and cheese lover, then our Beer Collection is absolutely the gift for you. It contains enough Brick, Gouda, Gruyere, and Ohio Premium Swiss Cheese to entertain 20 people. These cheeses have been chosen for their strong flavors which pair beautifully with beer. We recommend trying out a few different beers to compare the tasting experience.
Finally, our Hot Stuff Collection has everything that you might need for someone who lives spice and heat. Enjoy trying Hot Pepper Cheese, Habanero Cheese, Troyer’s Trail Bologna with Hot Pepper Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Pepper Relish, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Jalapeno Mustard, Hot Pepper Jelly, and Carr’s Crackers. Be warned, you might need a cooling glass of milk on hand.
Do get in touch if you have any questions about any of our gift boxes, but especially if you would like to get a Veteran’s Day care package for a special someone to recognise their service this month.
We’d also love for you to take a look at the work of the Wounded Warrior Project and consider supporting them in their efforts.
Fall Food: Try our Fall Harvest Collection
Now that we are really in fall, you might be looking for some fall foods to enjoy. That’s why we wanted to share our fantastic Fall Harvest Collection with you. It has everything you need for a cozy evening in with loved ones or a picnic under the trees as they change color.
Inside you will find:
2 Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese
Our Baby Swiss is made locally in Charm, Ohio by the original producer: Guggisberg Cheese. This is a young, semi-soft cheese with lots of small holes that you will recognize from Swiss cheese. Because water is substituted for the milk’s whey in Baby Swiss production, the bacterial action is slowed down creating smaller holes and a milder flavor. It is also made from whole milk, giving it an extra creamy, mild taste.
1 Lb. Streb Meats Smoked Sausage
Streb Meats is a third generation family-owned company that has been famous in our area for over 70 years. All of their meats are locally raised and hickory smoked in a real smokehouse, creating a quality product that you just can’t beat.
1 Lb. of our Cranberry Delight mix
This is one of our favorite mixes because it includes a great selection of both nuts and fruit which give it a true fall flavor. It contains dried cranberries, golden raisins, peanuts, almonds, pecans, dried cherries, pineapple dices, and papaya dices. A great healthy snack for your next hike or to keep you fuelled at your desk.
Pumpkin Muffin Mix
Our muffin mixes are ideal for those moments when you want to whip up something to share with guests without any fuss. They include all of the dry ingredients to make delicious muffins. What flavor could be better for fall food than pumpkin? If you have extra time, you could even make a cream cheese frosting to go with them.
Pumpkin Butter
A delicious way to add fall food flavors to lots of different dishes. This will be great with the pumpkin muffins that you make with the muffin mix. It’s also brilliant on toast in the mornings or even stirred into coffee with milk or cream for a pumpkin latte.
Popcorn on the Cob
Have some fun making popcorn with this quick way to a delicious snack. You can pop the corn right on the cob and then settle down to a cozy movie night with the family. Try adding your own flavorings such as salt, sugar, butter or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to keep the fall theme going.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our tour of the Fall Harvest Collection. This is available for a limited time only, so shop today to get yours! What’s your favorite fall food? Let us know in the comments!
Get Ready with our Football Season Snacks
With the NFL Season fast approaching, we thought it was time to share with you our Football Season Special. It’s full of football season snacks for you.
Inside you’ll find some Swiss Cheese, Troyer’s Trail Bologna, Pepper Jack Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Pepper Relish, and Carr’s Crackers. We think this is a great combination of snacks.
Swiss Cheese is a mild cow’s milk cheese with a slightly nutty, sweet flavor. This contrasts well against the Pepper Jack Cheese which is flavored with spicy jalapenos, serrano peppers, and habaneros. It has a creaminess and then a good kick from the chilies.
Troyer’s Trail Bologna is a true classic, made in Ohio by the fourth generation of the Troyer family. It is an all-beef chunky bologna with a smoky taste. It’s usually sliced thin and will be delicious with cubes of the Swiss cheese. Pile everything onto a cracker with some mustard or relish and you’ve got an ideal complete snack.
This is the perfect combination of snacks to enjoy whilst kicking back and watching the game. If you want to create more of a meal or you have a large group coming over, why not pair it with some hot dogs or a great big bowl of chili?
If you like a selection of salty football season snacks, check out our gourmet foods section. You’ll find nuts including pistachios, Spanish peanuts, and roasted pecans as well as white chocolate popcorn and trail mixes.
Make sure that you stock up on beers and you’ll have the best sports night ever. Whatever team that you are supporting, you’ll be in good company with our special hamper of treats. It will bring together even the most bitter rivals.
If you’re watching alone, then you’ll have a nice selection to enjoy over several games. It’s sure to keep you fuelled during even the tensest moments of play. Pop your jersey in, get comfy on the couch, and settle in for a great night of family fun.
You could even take this gift box along when you’re tailgating at a college game. Show your support whilst enjoying some great snacks. If you won’t have time to cook something or you just want the ease of showing up with a box of everything you need, then this box if perfect for you.
You can also have this sent to a loved one. Missing a friend or child who’s gone away to college? Send them our gift basket and let them know that you’re thinking of them, even if you can’t watch the game together. We can also put together special gift boxes with non-perishable products if you are sending them overseas.
What are your favorite football season snacks to eat whilst watching the game? Let us know in the comments! Tell us your team, too!
Get ready for the 4th July!
4th July is here again! We’ve put together a few tips for you to help prepare for tomorrow’s festivities.
Food
Food is, of course, one of the most important parts of any 4th July celebration!
Take a look at our barbecue checklist if you’re going to be grilling with your family. If you’re holding more of a formal dinner, read all about how to create a beautiful table setting. We know you might be serving beer, so if you’re looking for some cheese to enjoy we recommend our beer collection. It contains Brick Cheese, Gouda, Gruyere and Ohio Premium Swiss Cheese, so you’ll have a great selection to share. Add a few pickles and some ham and you’ve got a board that will keep even the hungriest guests happy.
Make it easy with a great selection of salads, grilled meats, and cheeses. Stock up on snacks to keep energy levels high and you’ll be partying into the night.
Drinks
You’ll need something to wash down all the fabulous. Check out our list of perfect summer drinks to get inspiration. It’s the perfect time to make a pitcher of something refreshing and allow everyone to help themselves. Remember that everyone needs a chance to celebrate so you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen making food and mixing drinks!
For true simplicity, fill a cooler with beer and soft drinks and you won’t even have to worry about preparing anything.
Festivities
It’s time to set off some fireworks! Stock up and put on a real display for your family and friends. Make sure to stay safe and take all necessary precautions. You’re sure to be able to find local parties if you can’t host at home.
We love to play some games when we get together as a family. Whether it’s running around with super soakers, playing bingo or taking part in a scavenger hunt, creating a simple activity can elevate your party to the next level.
We want to wish all of our customers a happy and healthy Independence Day. We hope it means time spent with family or friends, but if it doesn’t we hope that you get to take a moment for your own personal celebration.
Let us know how you’ll be celebrating this 4th July in the comments.
Father’s Day is Coming Up: Grab a Gift Now!
Father’s Day is coming up on June 17th, so now is the time to grab a great gift.
We know that you will all want to show your Dads how much they mean to you. This is a special day to show them your appreciation for all that they do for you. Our range of gifts is the perfect thing for the man who has everything. You’re sure to find something that will appeal to every taste.
Our Gift Box for Dad contains Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, Ohio Swiss Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Pepper Relish, and Carr’s Crackers. It’s everything that your Dad could need for a perfect Father’s Day.
Pepper Jack is a cow’s milk cheese that has been given a spicy intensity through the use of jalapeno, serrano, and habanero peppers. Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring is a chunky, all-beef bologna with a smoky taste, created by the fourth generation of the Troyer family. Don’t be fooled by imitators.
You could add a bottle of wine, beer, or scotch if you want to impress Dad even more.
We also have a whole range of gift boxes for your Dad this Father’s Day.
Our cheese lover’s box is extra cheesy! You’ll receive a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack. Just like our other boxes, you’ll find some assorted chocolates as well.
For a showstopping gift, our Baby Swiss Cheese Gift Box is certain to create a stir. It contains a whole 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel. Our Baby Swiss is made in Charm Ohio, by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. It is a young, semi-soft whole milk cheese with small holes and a mild flavor. It also comes with chocolates for those with a sweet tooth!
We also offer a Scotch Collection and Beer Collection for those Dads who like to pair cheese with their favorite drinks.
We can’t wait to get your Father’s Day gifts to you all and make it a great day for everyone. Please remember to check our shipping policy if you are ordering online to make sure that your gifts will arrive on time.
If you need some help to pick out a great gift, please get in touch or pop into the store to see how we can help.
Food Tourism Destinations To Inspire Your Next Trip
Food tourism is becoming one of the biggest trends in travel today. We absolutely love traveling to experience different foods and will regularly decide where to go based on the delicious dishes that can be found there. Whether you’re traveling within the US or further afield, we’ve put together some of the top food tourism destinations that are sure to have your mouth watering.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portuguese food is really exciting: a fun mix of seafood and decadent desserts. If you’ve ever had a Pasteis de Nata, a traditional custard tart, then you’ll know what we are talking about. These originate from Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon, which is a must-visit for any foodie traveler. Bacalhau is another national dish of Portugal. This dried, salted cod is served in a variety of ways. It might be a bit of an acquired taste but it’s certainly something to try.
Naples, Italy
The home of pizza, this is a must if you love a slice. Don’t expect a deep dish or something smothered with sauce, though. The Italian approach is all about fresh ingredients and a less is more style. Think thin crusts, fresh tomatoes, basil, and oozing mozzarella. Naples is also right by the sea, so it’s certainly a food tourism haven for seafood lovers. Try a spaghetti vongole for a fresh dish packed with flavor.
Tokyo, Japan
Whilst some supposed food tourism destinations are criticized for serving watered down versions of their favorite dishes to tourists, this is certainly not something people say about Japan. In Tokyo, you’ll find traditional dishes alongside brilliant innovative techniques and twists on classics from around the world. You can also try Japanese whisky whilst you’re there, which is some of the finest in the world.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
In 2014, the Markthal opened in the center of Rotterdam. A huge, arched structure housing 96 food stalls and restaurants, this is a great food tourism destination for a city break. The walls of the market contain a huge artwork called the Horn of Plenty, leading some to refer to the Markthal as the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam. Here you can try plenty of Dutch cuisine as well as foods from around the world.
Ohio, US
Of course, we had to include our own state! We love getting visitors from around the world here at Shisler’s Cheese House. Ohio is renowned for its cheeses and amazing fruits and vegetables. Pop in and you’ll find a huge range of local cheeses including Ohio Swiss Cheese, alongside locally made maple syrup, Troyer’s Trail Bologna, Tony Packo’s pickles, Amish peanut butter, and Uncle Mike’s Beef Jerky. You could even head to the original Tony Packo’s over in Toledo while you’re in the state.
We hope you enjoyed our food tourism ideas. There are so many places to explore but hopefully, this will inspire you to start planning your next trip. Where would you most like to visit? Let us know in the comments!
Happy Thanksgiving! 10% Off Brilliant Gift Boxes
We wanted to give a special gift to all of our customers this Thanksgiving. We are offering 10% off 6 of our wonderful gift boxes. Read on to find out all about each box and your coupon code.
Gift Box #1: Baby Swiss Cheese
Having the whole family around during the holiday season? Grab this gift box that contains a whole 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel. Our Baby Swiss is made in Charm Ohio, by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. It is a young, semi-soft whole milk cheese with small holes and a mild flavor. It also comes with chocolates for those with a sweet tooth!
Gift Box #2: Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Cheese
In this gift box, you’ll receive a 1Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring. This is a chunky, all-beef bologna with a smoky taste, created by the fourth generation of the Troyer family. Don’t be fooled by imitators. You’ll also find a 3/4Lb. wheel of Farmer’s cheese and a 3/4Lb. wheel of Colby cheese. Farmer’s Cheese is a mild, unripened white cheese made by adding rennet to cow’s milk. It’s a firm and crumbly cheese; the perfect accompaniment to smoked meats. The Colby cheese provides a lovely contrast, as it is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a mild and creamy taste.
Slice your bologna fairly thinly and serve with our cheese on the perfect platter. We always pop in some assorted chocolates for those after-dinner cravings.
As the name suggests, this really is a cheesy box! You’ll receive a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack.
Marble Cheese is made from both Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, which is why it is sometimes called “Cojack”. Pepper Jack is a cow’s milk cheese that has been given a spicy intensity through the use of jalapeno, serrano, and habanero peppers. Along with the classics Cheddar and Farmer’s Cheese, you’re sure to have the best cheese board in the neighborhood.
Just like our other boxes, you’ll find some assorted chocolates as well.
Gift Box #4: Amish Cheese and Goodies
This is the perfect box for a party, or to give to someone who really deserves a treat during this season. Inside you will find a 1Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, 1 Summer Sausage Link, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Colby and Pepper Jack cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Home Style Amish Jam, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
Summer Sausage can be kept without refrigeration, which is how it gained its name. Ours is smoked, rather than dried, with a tangy taste. It’s certainly too good to be kept for only the Summer season. We’re very proud of our Private Label Mustard and it’s an ideal pairing with our meats and cheeses.
Gift Box #5: Baby Swiss Cheese and Troyer’s Trail Bologna
A classic Amish Country combination. This box contains a 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, a large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates and 6oz. of REACH coffee.
REACH coffee is a specialty grade coffee from the region of Chanchamayo, Peru, which is then roasted in Cleveland, Ohio. Perfect for those after dinner pick-me-ups.
Gift Box #6: Amish Country Sampler Gift Box
This box is the King of gift boxes. You’ll need help to carry this one! It contains a Large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, a box of Heggy’s Chocolates, Home Style Amish Jam, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Jalapeno Mustard, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack, a Baby Swiss Cheese Wedge, a Summer Sausage Link, Townhouse Crackers and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
We are proud to include Heggy’s Chocolates in our boxes. They match our tradition of excellence in hand-crafted chocolates, and we know you’ll be excited to open the box and see what’s inside.
Your 10% discount
We know that there is a lot to choose from here, but you will love our gift boxes regardless of which you choose! If you’re shopping for loved ones, why not pick up a few. From Thanksgiving (November 23rd) through to Cyber Monday (November 27th) you’ll receive 10% off gift boxes 1 – 6 by using code BLOG17.
Let us know which is your favorite in the comments, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
How The Aging Process Works
As they say in the real world, age doesn’t matter. However, in the cheese world, it truly does matter. Aging, otherwise called ripening is one of the most important parts when producing cheese. When we set cheeses to mature in controlled environments, they begin to develop their unique textures, appearances, aromas, and flavors. For example, when Swiss cheese ages, holes begin to form and it firms up.
Timing
The scientific processes of when cheese ages are as followed: the enzymes and microbes develop inside the cheese and breaks down milk fat and proteins into a complex mix of amino and fatty acids. In simpler terms, aging basically transforms the texture of the cheese and intensifies the flavor.
For most cheeses, the aging period usually requires two weeks to two years in order to develop their unique attributes. When cheese ages it generally gets a lot more firm and distinctive in flavor and aroma. When aged for 24+ months, Parmigiano Reggiano becomes a lot more complex, developing a fruity taste alongside a gritty, firm texture. Not every cheese is aged though, mild cheese like cream cheese, cottage cheese and ricotta aren’t aged at all and are consumed when fresh.
Temperature
Temperature is very important when it comes to aging. Cheese is stored in cellar or cave type environments which have a closely monitored temperature and humidity. Not all environments are the same though, it all depends on what type of cheese is being made. When it comes to aging, soft cheeses, cooler temperatures are used and the process takes a lot longer because you must age soft cheeses slower to avoid bacteria, in a result of high moisture. If you want to age firm cheeses, high temperatures are used to get rid of excess moisture.
For general aging, the temperatures of the environments that aging takes place in a range between 10 degrees C to 15 degrees C. High moisture conditions are pretty normal, along with at least 80% humidity upwards.
Aging Techniques
Like many things, there are different ways to age cheese. Lots of different techniques are used to make many of the amazing cheeses we love. There are two main techniques which are called surface ripening and interior ripening.
For surface ripening, the aging begins on the outside of the cheese and progresses towards the inside. To encourage the growth of rind, microorganisms are rubbed onto the outer surface of the cheese. Brie, Munster, Morbier are an example of surface ripened cheeses which are also washed in a saltwater brine during the process. Sometimes, the brine is seasoned with wine and spices which carry flavor into the cheese and nurtures bacterial growth.
When it comes to interior-ripened cheeses, it is opposite to surface ripening and begins from the inside of the cheese and moves outward. The cheese is coated with wax to prevent further oxygen action on the surface, once it is done aging. Examples of an interior- ripened cheeses are Cheddar and Swiss.
For interior-ripened blue cheeses such as Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Roquefort, they contain additional bacteria and molds introduced to them during an aging period. Sometimes, the Penicillium molds are injected into the curd whereas other times, the microbes are already present in the air and grow within the aging cheese. For these molds, they grow into small fissures within the cheese, creating the famous blue-green veins and sharp flavor throughout the cheese.
History Of The Monte Cristo Sandwich And Its Recipe
When thinking of the name “Monte Cristo”, what comes to mind? The Count of Monte Cristo? The Monte Cristo? The quest for the Holy Grail… wait a second, that’s Monte Python! On the tastier side of things, the most tantalizing of these is the Monte Cristo Sandwich. The Monte Cristo is a delicious sandwich served in delis and restaurants across the world. Known for its savory layers of Swiss cheese and ham, turkey or chicken. This deli delight is far and away a cheese lover’s dream sandwich.
What exactly is the Monte Cristo sandwich?
While the Monte Cristo sandwich tends to vary from restaurant to restaurant or from deli to deli, the general blueprint consists of two slices of white bread containing ham, turkey, or chicken, and slices of Swiss Cheese which are dipped in beaten egg and fried in butter. A classic Monte Cristo sandwich should come with a side of jelly in which you have the option to dip your sandwich for the best Monte Cristo Sandwich experience.
What is the origin of the Monte Cristo Sandwich?
1910s… Most culinary experts believed that the Monte Cristo Sandwich is a variation of a French dish called Croque Monsieur, a grilled cheese sandwich consisting of Gruyere cheese and lean ham layered between two slices of crust-less bread, fried in clarified butter and made in a special grilling iron with two metal plates. Croque Monsieur was served for the first time in a Parisian cafe.
1930s to 1960s… American cookbooks published in this time period showcased this sandwich under a myriad of names including… French Sandwich, Toasted Ham Sandwich and French Toasted Cheese Sandwich, all sounding delicious, but lacking a truly unique sandwich identity.
1950s… This sandwich was first served under the name “The Monte Cristo” in southern California in the 1950s
1966… Disneyland made its contributions to the ever-surging Monte Cristo Sandwich. It appeared on their menu at the Blue Bayou and Tahitian Terrace restaurants in New Orleans’s Square in Disneyland.
Ever since, the Monte Cristo Sandwich has made leaps and bounds in culinary notoriety becoming one of the most delicious sandwiches of our time and finding its place on menus of restaurants, delis, and other sandwich shops, nationally and internationally.
How to make the Monte Cristo…
Ingredients
- 12 slices firm-textured white bread
- Mayonnaise
- 12 slices Swiss cheese, each about 1/8″ thick
- 6 slices cooked ham, each 1/8 to 1/4″ thick
- 6 slices cooked turkey, each 1/8 to 1/4″ thick
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup half-and-half, light cream or milk
- Dash of salt
- 3 to 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
- Powdered sugar
- Parsley sprigs
- Red currant jelly
Directions
Thinly spread one side of each bread slice with mayonnaise. Then assemble 6 sandwiches, using 2 slices of cheese, one slice of ham, and one slice of turkey for each sandwich. Trim bread crusts and filling with sharp knife, making edges of sandwiches even; cut each sandwich in half diagonally.
In a shallow dish, beat eggs, half-and-half, and salt until blended. Places sandwiches in mixture and turn to coat; then let stand, turning occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed. Melt about 3 tablespoons of the butter in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Add as many sandwiches as will fit without crowding; cook, turning once, until lightly browned on both sides. Remove from pan. Repeat with remaining sandwiches, adding more butter to pan as needed.
Place the sandwiches on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in a 400° oven until cheese is melted (3 to 5 minutes). Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with parsley sprigs. Serve hot, accompanied with jelly. Makes 6 sandwiches.
