Years ago my mother used to make Monte Cristo sandwiches. She used turkey, ham and cheese with other items. The recipe has been lost. Can you help me find this recipe. (from J.S., Lexington, VT)

Dear J.S.: Choo-Choo the Recipe Genie has the perfect recipe for a Monte Cristo, delightful for a warm supper on a cool evening. It's delicious served with cream of tomato soup and a light side salad. MONTE CRISTO (Makes two sandwiches) 4 slices bread of choice 1 egg 1/4 cup milk 1/4 tsp. salt Pinch of pepper 4 slices cooked turkey breast (chicken breast may be substituted) |4 slices cooked ham 4 slices Swiss cheese Prepared mustard, either Dijon or yellow Butter for frying

-- In a pie plate or low-sided casserole, beat together the egg, milk, salt and pepper.

-- Dip bread slices in the egg mixture until soaked. Drain well.

-- In a skillet, heat the butter until it bubbles.

-- Add the bread to the skillet and fry until browned, turning once to brown both sides. Remove to a plate.

-- Layer the turkey, cheese and ham on two slices of bread, folding as needed to fit.

-- Add mustard if desired.

-- Top each sandwich with a second slice of browned bread; press down well.

-- Return the sandwiches to the skillet. Cook until the cheese is melted, turning frequently to avoid burning.

-- Cut each sandwich into quarters and serve.

- - - - - - -

I'm confused about the kinds of bottled water. What is the difference between spring water and mineral water, for example. How is bottled water different from tap water? Is one better for health than another? (from M.G.S., Merrimack)

Dear M.G.S.: Basically there are six kinds of bottled water, each slightly different from the others.

-- Spring water comes from a natural spring that flows directly from under the earth's surface.

-- Well water is pumped from an underground well penetrating the water table.

-- Artesian well water comes from an aquifer, an underground layer of rock or sand that is permeated with water,

-- Sparkling water is either spring or well water that contains naturally occurring carbonation. No additional carbonation can be added, per regulation.

-- Mineral water also comes from either a well or a spring; it contains at least 250 parts per million of naturally occurring minerals and other trace elements. No additional minerals may be added, per regulation.

-- Purified water is basically tap water, usually from city water sources, that has been “purified” either by distillation, reverse-osmosis or de-ionization that removes chlorines, detritus and other trace elements.

The Environmental Protection Agency regulates bottled well water; the Food and Drug Administration regulates mineral water and water with other additives such as vitamins.

Bottled water and tap water in the U.S. are both safe to drink; many municipal water systems add fluoride and chlorine to the water that comes out of the taps. On the other hand, bottled water may contain phthalates, potentially harmful chemicals that include BPS (Bisphenol A).

If you don't like the taste of tap water, consider adding a filter to your faucet or purchase a water-filtration pitcher. Either of these will reduce the amount of fluoride and chlorine in the water. If you're concerned about the phthalates in plastic, get a reusable water bottle and fill it with water that you've filtered yourself — best for you and the environment.

- - - - - - -

I recently heard that Maeve Binchy has died. I love her writing! What can you tell us about her? (from Jamie, Manchester)

Dear Jamie: Binchy was 72 when she died July 30 after a brief illness. Born in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland, on May 28, 1940, Binchy worked as a teacher and then a journalist before turning her hand to fiction.

Her husband, Gordon Snell, a children's author, supported her in all things, especially her humorous rendition of small-town Ireland and the tensions that arise between urban and rural life. Her first novel, “Light a Penny Candle,” was published in 1982 after being rejected five times. Her “Circle of Friends” was made into a movie in 1995 featuring Chris O'Donnell and Minnie Driver. Although she stopped book tours in 2000, she continued writing; her last novel “Minding Frankie” was released in 2010.

She won many writing awards during her career, including a lifetime achievement award from the Irish Book Awards. On hearing of her passing, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said, “Today we have lost a national treasure.”

Send questions of general interest to Ask Us, attention Cat Pragoff, New Hampshire Union Leader, P.O. Box 9555, Manchester 03108-9555, or by email at askuscolumn@gmail.com. Due to the volume of mail received, Ask Us is not able send personal replies.