MAPLE MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH

I am a grilled sandwich fanatic! This may be my crowning achievement in sandwich making. Think of French toast and smoky bacon. Then imagine maple dressing, melted Gruyère cheese, and hickory-smoked turkey sandwiched between the two. Now envision a dusting of powdered sugar gently falling across the golden-brown sandwich. Stars and garters! This is my favorite sandwich.

Makes 4 sandwiches

MAPLE MAYO

½ CUP MAYONNAISE

1½ TABLESPOONS BROWN SUGAR

2 TABLESPOONS MAPLE SYRUP

⅛ TEASPOON SALT

SANDWICHES

8 SLICES BACON

4 EGGS

⅓ CUP MILK

1 TEASPOON SALT

¼ TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER

8 SLICES TOASTING BREAD

16 THIN SLICES DELI TURKEY (10 TO 12 OUNCES)

8 SLICES GRUYÈRE CHEESE

2 TABLESPOONS POWDERED SUGAR

1. Make the maple mayo: Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.

2. Make the sandwiches: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the pan.

3. Beat the eggs in a shallow dish. Whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper.

4. Build the sandwiches by spreading mayo on each slice of bread. Use 4 slices turkey, 2 slices bacon, and 2 slices Gruyère in each sandwich and press the sandwich together lightly.

5. Heat the skillet of bacon fat over medium heat.

6. Dip each side of the sandwich into the egg mixture. Cook each sandwich in the skillet until toasted, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Sprinkle the sandwiches with powdered sugar and serve.

SOUTHERN SIMPLE: The maple mayonnaise used on this sandwich is also a nice addition to the Happy, Happy Grilled Turkey Burgers with Maple Caramelized Onions.

SOUTHERN MOTHER: This sandwich and a plate of Sweet Potato Oven Fries is an ideal late-night dinner.