This recipe provides instructions for making a Frenchee, inspired by the popular item from the Nebraska-based fast-food chain Don and Millie’s. A Frenchee is essentially a deep-fried ham and cheese sandwich that is dipped in a sweet batter before frying, resulting in a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior and a warm, gooey, savory-sweet interior. It’s a unique and indulgent take on a classic sandwich, offering a distinctive flavor and texture profile that sets it apart. The image shows a close-up of a partially eaten Frenchee being held by a hand. The sandwich has a golden-brown, somewhat textured and slightly crispy crust that appears to be coated in granulated sugar, giving it a sweet element. A bite has been taken out, revealing a soft, white bread interior with melted cheese and what appears to be a layer of ham. The overall appearance is rich, slightly greasy from frying, and features a notable contrast between the sweet, crispy exterior and the savory, melty filling.
Based on descriptions and copycat recipes for Don and Millie’s Frenchee, the ingredients likely include:
- White Bread: Standard slices of soft white bread form the base of the sandwich.
- Ham: Thinly sliced ham is the typical meat filling.
- Cheese: Slices of cheese that melt well, such as American cheese or processed cheese slices, are commonly used.
- Eggs: A key component of the batter, providing richness and structure.
- Milk: Used to thin the batter to the desired consistency.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the batter.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter, contributing to the Frenchee’s signature sweet-savory flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness in the batter.
- Vegetable Oil or Shortening: For deep-frying the sandwich.
- Granulated Sugar (for coating): The fried sandwich is typically rolled in granulated sugar while it is still warm.
The preparation involves first assembling the ham and cheese sandwiches using slices of white bread, ham, and cheese. While the sandwiches are being made, a sweet batter is prepared by whisking together eggs, milk, all-purpose flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Once the sandwiches are assembled, they are dipped completely into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. The batter-dipped sandwiches are then deep-fried in hot vegetable oil or shortening until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. After frying, the hot sandwiches are immediately rolled in granulated sugar to create a sweet, slightly crunchy coating on the outside. They are then typically served warm, often cut in half to reveal the melty interior.
A Frenchee is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right after frying and coating in sugar, to experience the contrast of the crispy, sweet exterior and the warm, savory, gooey interior.
The texture is characterized by a golden-brown, slightly crispy, and sugar-coated crust, giving way to soft white bread, warm, melted cheese, and tender ham inside.
The flavor is a unique combination of savory ham and cheese with a sweet, slightly eggy, fried bread exterior, further enhanced by the granulated sugar coating.
A Frenchee (Don and Millie’s style) is a deep-fried ham and cheese sandwich dipped in a sweet batter and coated in granulated sugar after frying.
The preparation involves making a ham and cheese sandwich, dipping it in a sweet batter, deep-frying until golden brown, and then rolling the warm sandwich in granulated sugar.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on descriptions and copycat recipes):
- 6 slices white bread
- 4 slices cooked ham
- 3 slices American cheese or processed cheese slices, halved
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for batter)
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil or shortening, for deep-frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Equipment:
- Shallow dish or bowl (for batter)
- Deep pot or deep fryer
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Plate lined with paper towels
- Shallow dish or plate (for sugar coating)
Instructions:
- Assemble Sandwiches: Lay out the slices of white bread. On three of the slices, layer a slice of ham, then the cheese (you may need to overlap or tear the cheese to cover the bread), and finally another slice of ham. Top with the remaining slices of bread to form three sandwiches.
- Prepare Batter: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and salt until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil or shortening into a deep pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
- Dip Sandwiches: One at a time, carefully dip each assembled sandwich into the batter, ensuring all sides are completely coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
- Deep-Fry Sandwiches: Carefully place the batter-coated sandwiches into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the sandwiches as needed.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the sandwiches are golden brown, remove them from the hot oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Coat with Sugar: While the fried sandwiches are still warm, immediately roll them in the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
- Serve: Cut the Frenchees in half diagonally and serve warm.
Enjoy this unique and delicious Frenchee, Don and Millie’s style!