From Paulette Vickery's Recipe Collection

Hot Brown Casserole

main dish, meats

1 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
2 each eggs, beaten
6 cup milk
1 cup parmeasan cheese
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 single salt and pepper to taste
16 each slices white bread, toasted
16 each slices turkey
1 single paprika
1 cup bacon bits (1/2 lb uncooked)
1 cup tomato, seeded & diced
1/4 cup chopped parsley

In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add flour, stirring to make a roux. Cook 2 to 3 minutes. Thoroughly beat egg. Beat into milk. While stirring, very slowly add milk mixture to butter mixture. Stir in 3/4 cup Parmeasan cheese. Cook until mixture thickens but do not boil. This will take 30 to 45 minutes. Mixture should heavily coat spoon. Remove from heat. Fold in whipping cream and add salt and pepper to taste.  Trim crust from bread. Toast in a regular toaster until golden. Line the bottom of 9 by 13 casserole and an 8 by 8 casserole.  Top with slices of turkey. Cover with sauce, dividing the sauce between the 2 casseroles. Sprinkle with remaining parmeasan cheese and paprika. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown. After removing the casserole from the oven, place toasted bread around outer edge, point side up. Garnish with bacon bits and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve while hot.

Yield: 8 servings





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