Dive into the delectable sandwich with a fork and knife or pick it up with your hands, providing there are plenty of napkins close by. Chef Jesse Cool likes to tuck the maple apples in with the ham and cheese, but the fruit can be served on the side, along with a spicy mustard or horseradish sauce.
Pairing Suggestion(s): A Finger Lakes semi-dry riesling
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Amount |
Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced |
| 1 cup | water |
| 1/4 cup | maple syrup |
| 1 | 3-inch cinnamon stick |
| 2/3 cup | milk |
| 2 | large eggs, beaten |
| 8 slices | white bread, 1/2-inch thick, hand-cut |
| 1-2 TBSP | Dijon mustard |
| 6 oz. | sliced Gruyère cheese |
| 1/2 pound | thickly sliced smoked ham |
| 1-2 TBSP | unsalted butter |
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, water, maple syrup and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the apples to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the milk and eggs. Spread 4 slices of the bread with mustard. Top with half of the cheese, the ham and then the remaining cheese.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over low heat. Dip the bottoms of the 4 topped bread slices in the beaten egg until just saturated and transfer to the skillet. Dip the remaining slices of bread on 1 side only and place them, soaked side up, on the sandwiches. Cover the skillet and cook over moderately low heat until the bread is browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn the sandwiches, adding more butter to the skillet if necessary. Cover and cook until the second side is browned and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes longer.
- Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Cut in half and serve with the maple apples and steamed or sautéed mustard greens.
Make Ahead:
Apples can be refrigerated in the poaching liquid for up to one day. Drain just before using.
Courtesy of FoodandWine.com
Gallery
