Kentucky Hot Brown

What is a Kentucky Hot Brown?  The Hot Brown Sandwich was

created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.  In the 

1920's, the Brown Hotel drew over 1,200 guests for dinner and dancing.  By the wee hours 

of the morning, guests would make their way into the restaurant for a bite to eat.

The Hot Brown Was Born!  

This open-faced turkey sandwich is topped with a delicate Mornay sauce, with a hint of

nutmeg, then topped with tomato and bacon then slightly broiled.

The guests were so tempted by this delicious sandwich that it became a Louisiana Tradition.

Today, this sandwich is still available on the Brown Hotel menu, and it is known worldwide.

Even though the traditional Mornay sauce was created with Romano cheese, 

I thought it would be interesting to add Asiago and Havarti cheeses for extra

creaminess and taste.  That hint of nutmeg will certainly temp your palate, making 

you want to lick every bit off your dish.  

Ingredients:
1 TBS butter
1 TBS flour, gluten-free
1 cup heavy cream, warm
1/4 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese, half for cheese sauce, half for garnish
1 1/2 oz Asiago Cheese
1 1/2 oz Havarti Cheese
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
salt and pepper, to taste
6 ozs Turkey Breast, sliced (prepared ahead)
4 slices (White) Bread 
4 slices bacon, cooked
2 thick slices Beefsteak Tomatoes
Paprika and Parsley, for garnish

Directions:
1.  In a medium saucepan, heat butter on medium heat.  Add flour, whisk until incorporated, approx 2 mins.  Be careful not to burn
2.  Add warm cream.  Whisk.  Cook for 2-3 mins.
3.  Add cheeses.  Whisk until cheeses are melted.
4.  Add nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.  Whisk.  Careful not to over-salt since cheeses are salty.
5.  Preheat broiler.  In broil safe pan, add one slice of bread in the center of the pan.  Cut the second slice diagonally and place one half on each side of the full slice.  Top with approx. 3 ozs of sliced turkey.  Pour half the sauce over the top.  Add a slice of tomato.  Place in broiler for approx. 5 mins., or until cheese is slightly browned.  Remove from oven.  
6.  Top with two slices of bacon.  Garnish with Romano cheese, paprika, and parsley.  
Serve immediately
Makes two Sandwiches