Kentucky Hot Browns

We had a long-standing Derby Day party with our neighbors every year (until they moved away... sniff sniff). Originally, we got together to watch the Kentucky Derby as an excuse to try mint juleps. Yum! We discovered we liked them, and the annual event grew each year until we had Kentucky Hot Browns and Derby Pie along with our juleps. Forget Cinco de Mayo! Try this easy sandwich this weekend and tune into the Derby for two minutes of horse-riding excitement and fame. Wear a big hat just for fun.

Kentucky Hot Browns
~from Southern Living

• 4 pieces Texas toast or other thick white bread
• 3/4 pound sliced roasted turkey (can use good quality deli meat)
• 1/2 c. butter*
• 1/3 c. flour*
• 3 1/2 c. milk*
• 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese*
• 1/4 t. salt*
• 1/4 t. pepper*
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 3 plum tomatoes sliced or diced
• 8 bacon slices, cooked

*These ingredients are to make a basic white sauce with cheese (Mornay sauce). You can also use a recipe you already know/like or add cheese to my Microwave Bechamel Sauce. Directions for the Southern Living Mornay sauce here: Melt butter in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

1. Preheat broiler with rack 6 inches from heat. Toast bread 1-2 minutes on each side.
2. Arrange bread on broiler safe pan or in individual broiler-safe dishes. Top with turkey. Pour Mornay sauce over and sprinkle extra cheese on top. Broil 3-4 minutes or until bubbly and light brown.
3. Top with chopped tomatoes and bacon slices.
4. Eat immediately.

~Serves 4