With the warmer and more sunny days upon us here in Texas, my mind often starts to go towards brunch items as Spring nears. It's truly one of my most favorite times of the year too. Though, a lot of that could have to do with the fact that my little girl's birthday is during Spring. She's truly the best thing to ever happen to me, and honestly as hard as being a parent can be at times, it's the most rewarding job in the world. Sometimes it feels too good to be true when she hugs onto me tightly and gives me sweet kisses randomly.

Since brunch has been on my mind lately, I thought it was the perfect time to get my Monte Cristo on. Not familiar with a Monte Cristo? It's generally a swiss cheese sandwich that's battered and fried and served with a side of preserves for dipping. Not exactly my jam. Pun intended. Bah-dum-pish.

However, I've come up with a pretty clever way to make this otherwise guilty dish into something that's more wholesome!

To make this classic sandwich better-for-you, I first got rid of the batter and deep frying aspect. I also swapped out the original meats for Oscar Mayer Selects Natural Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast. With no artificial ingredients and real quality taste, you can rely on Oscar Mayer Selects Natural to be one thing that’s not too good to be true.

With Oscar Mayer Selects Natural, you don’t need to give up the good stuff to enjoy the quality cold cuts your family deserves. I love that Oscar Mayer Selects Natural is available in five flavorful varieties including Slow Roasted Turkey, Applewood Smoked Turkey, Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken, Applewood Smoked Ham and Slow Roasted Roast Beef.

Of course, I had to use a nice whole wheat bread and a thin sliced reduced fat swiss cheese. Simple enough. For the dip, I wanted to be sure to stick with the classic 'jam' or 'preserves' but added some dijon for more of a kick!

To keep with the wholesome theme of this recipe, I served my sandwich up with a serving of steamed broccoli instead of the usual chips or fries, yum!

You can learn more about Selects Natural and all the Oscar Mayer products on OscarMayer.com, Facebook at Facebook.com/OscarMayer, Twitter at @OscarMayer and on Tumblr at OscarMayer.Tumblr.com.

Skinny Monte Cristo Sandwich
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Servings: 1 • Size: 1 Sandwich + Dip • Calories: 308.1 • Fat: 18.3 g • Carb: 16.1 g • Fiber: 3.4 g • Protein: 22.7 g • Sugar: 9.3 g • Sodium: 982.5 mg

Ingredients:
Sandwich:
2 Slices Whole Wheat Bread (Mine was 60 calories a slice.)
2 Oz. Oscar Mayer Selects Natural Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast
3 Thin Slices Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese (Mine was 35 calories a slice.)
2 Tbsp. Fat Free Milk
1 Egg White, Lightly Whisked
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Dip:
1 Tbsp. Raspberry Preserves
1/2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1/4 Tsp. Orange Juice

Optional Suggested Side Dish: 3/4 C. Steamed Broccoli (Not included in nutrition count above.)

Directions:
Set a small skillet over medium heat to start warming up.

In a small bowl, mix together the 1 Tbsp. preserves, 1/2 Tbsp. dijon, and 1/4 Tsp. orange juice; set aside.

Stack the 2 Oz. Oscar Mayer Selects Natural Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast and the 3 slices of swiss cheese in between the slices of bread; set aside as well.

Whisk together the 2 Tbsp. milk, the egg white, and salt and pepper in another small bowl.

Brush the egg and milk mixture over one side of the sandwich.

Lightly coat the warm skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place the sandwich, egg wash down, into the skillet.

With the dry piece of bread facing up, brush the egg and milk mixture over that slice as well; cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom piece is nice and toasty.

We're basically treating this like a french toast or grilled cheese.

Once the first side has started to brown, flip the sandwich over carefully to cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.