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Saturday, May 7, 2011

Derby Day Hot Browns and Devonshire Sandwiches


Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons


The Legendary Hot Brown Sandwich


Pittsburgh's Famous Devonshire Sandwich

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Derby day is usually one of wretched excess for celebrants. The race is run on a track 1-1/4 miles long and it's generally over in a little more than two minutes. Women attending the fete spend hours more than that shopping for their hats, which can be as outrageous as the British fascinators we saw at the royal wedding. Preparations for parties that follow the race require weeks of planning and while menus may vary from place to place, there are certain items that appear on almost all of them. Mint juleps, Derby pie and Hot Brown sandwiches are generally among them. The Hot Brown was originally created by Fred Schmidt, chef at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. It's a variation of Welsh rarebit and it was developed to serve as a breakfast for late night revellers who were tired of ham and eggs. I wanted to share the original recipe with you. Mind you, I'm not suggesting you make the authentic recipe for your family. While it might line the stomach, it will also clog the arteries. Fortunately, the sandwich is easy to lighten. I've never made these sandwiches with heavy cream and I use far less turkey than is called for in the base recipe. I'm sure you'll find additional ways to lighten them should you decide to make them. The Devonshire sandwich was initially unique to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Many consider it to be the Hot Brown of Pittsburgh. It was developed by Frank Blandi for his restaurant in the Shadyside neighborhood of the city. Though I'm sure there would be cries of protestation, his sandwich is awfully similar to the Hot Brown and some might consider it one of the first knock off or copycat recipes. It, alas, is no better for you, though you can substitute crab or asparagus for the turkey. The original recipes for the two sandwiches follow.

Hot Brown Sandwich

Ingredients:

Sauce
2 oz. unsalted butter
2 oz. all-purpose flour
1 quart heavy cream
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, + 1 tablespoon for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Sandwich
14 oz. sliced roasted turkey breast
2 slices Texas Toast (crust trimmed)
4 slices of crispy bacon
2 Roma Tomatoes, sliced in half
Paprika, Parsley

Directions:
1) To make sauce: In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream into roux and cook over medium heat until cream begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until Mornay sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2) To make sandwiches: For each Hot Brown, place one slice of toast in an oven safe dish and cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take two halves of Roma tomato and set them alongside base of turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of Mornay sauce over all to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately. Yield: 2 servings.

Devonshire Sandwich

Cream Sauce:
3/4 stick butter, melted
1 cup flour
1/4 pound Cheddar cheese, grated
1 pint chicken broth
1 pint hot milk
1 teaspoon salt
For each sandwich:
1 slice toast, crusts trimmed off
3 slices crisp bacon
5 thin slices cooked turkey breast
Cream Sauce, recipe above
Melted butter
Parmesan cheese and paprika

Directions:
1) To make sauce: Melt butter in deep pan and add flour, stirring constantly. Add chicken broth and then hot milk, stirring constantly. Add cheese and salt. Bring to boil, then cook slowly for 20 minutes, still stirring. Cool to lukewarm. Beat with wire whip until smooth before using. This makes enough sauce for 6 Devonshire sandwiches.
2) Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In each flat, individual oven-proof casserole dish, place 1 slice of toast and top with 3 slices bacon. Add 5 thin slices of cooked turkey breast. Cover completely with cream sauce. Sprinkle with a little melted butter, then with the combined Parmesan cheese and paprika. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.










One Year Ago Today: Grilled Asian Eggplant with Soy-Ginger Glaze















Two Years Ago Today: Yogurt Cheese Cake









You might also enjoy these recipes:
Hot Chicken Sandwiches - The Royal Cook
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders - Bless Us O Lord
Toasted Reuben Sliders - Ordinary Recipes Made Gourmet
Reuben Panini with Homemade Bread - Sugar Crafters
Tomato Brunch Sandwiches - One Perfect Bite
French Dip Sandwich - One Perfect Bite
Blue Cheese Steak Sandwich - One Perfect Bite
Gorgonzola Flank Steak Sammies - Smith Bites
Welsh Rarebit - My Year on the Grill
Croque Monsieur Ham and Cheese Sandwich - Simply Recipes

This post is being linked to:
Pink Saturday, sponsored by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.

65 comments:

  1. Mmmm ... they both look delicious. I've never heard of Devonshire sandwich -- it sounds like something form England!

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  2. Tracy, actually this sandwich was named for the street the chef saw when he looked out the restaurant window. Blessings...Mary

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  3. Oh my goodness, those look insanely delicious! I'm afraid I would make a complete hog of myself if faced with both. Thanks for sharing such wonderful looking sandwiches. ♥

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  4. The hot brown sandwich looks so tasty!

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  5. Ha! I just posted one too Mary. Only mine ain't "lightened up" LOL!! Have a great weekend.

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  6. They are two great looking sandwiches!

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  7. Another delicious one!

    Happy Pink Saturday!
    Happy Mother's Day!

    Hugs
    Charo

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  8. These sandwiches both look so good. I saw a show about the hot brown on T.V. once, probably The Food Network. I have never heard of the Devonshire one, though.

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  9. Mary, I'll do anything for this! Gosh, isn't that such a great looking sandwich! Have to bookmark this. Thanks for sharing such wonderful recipe. Hope you're going to have a fabulous Mother's Day.
    Best wishes,
    Kristy

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  10. Amazing. What time should I arrive to eat?? Yum.

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  11. We don't have all this lovely stuff in Malaysia. Looks scrumptious!

    Duncan In Kuantan

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  12. I love, love, love your blog! I have lived in Kentucky most of my life, and a Hot Brown is a sweet treat! You are so right, it is extremely artery-clogging, but so so tasty and savory. I am currently in medical school in Louisville, and my goal is to have a Kentucky Hot Brown at the Brown Hotel before I graduate. I may be saving to pay for it until then... Happy Derby!

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  13. I loved both....Looks so delicious!


    Kisses,
    Rita

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  14. What a delicious sinful looking piece of sandwich! The cream alone is enough to make one salivate!

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  15. They do look amazing. Once a year for derby day can't hurt us right? I have always wanted to make a hot brown...this sandwich just might do the trick instead! Yum!

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  16. That does look like a hearty sandwich! Enjoy the race if you watch it Mary:@)

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  17. Just love this post. These sandwiches are brand new experience for me and I would love a taste right now!
    Rita

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  18. These sound like very comforting sandwiches Mary.Not sure if I would want to lighten up these special treats on the actial day:D

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  19. I aspire to be as knowledgable about so many things culinary as you are. This is not something I am likely to make, but reading about it was a pleasure.

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  20. I have just finished lunch and now I am hungry all over again :-) Have a great weekend, Diane

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  21. Both look amazing! I couldn't choose, could I have a half of each?

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  22. They both look so great!! making me hungry at 8am :-)

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  23. Great post, Mary! I'm from Louisville and have enjoyed the hot brown at the Brown Hotel many times. In fact, I worked across the street from it. Derby Day is a fantastic fun time in Louisville with many fun events and lots of good food, especially Burgoo and Mint Juleps!

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  24. Both look fantastic!Have a nice weekend,Mary!

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  25. Such a beautiful sandwich.....
    Wish I had one......

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  26. hi mary, both look equally good and the sauce..looks so tempting too!

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  27. Ahhhh... the excess! Why do we enjoy it so? LOL! One of my friends is at the Derby for the first time today. It has a ranking (though low) on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing these original recipes, Mary, and may you have a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day! tanna

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  28. Great looking sandwiches you have there! Wish I can have a bite of each :)

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  29. Dreamy sandwiches! And gorgeous photos!!

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  30. I've never heard of either sandwich, but often wondered what delicious foods are enjoyed on this fun day. Thanks!
    ~Judy

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  31. Wow! It is perfectly designed this sandwich and the photos are beautiful and very tempting my dear Mary! I note! Caro B.

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  32. I've heard of this hot brown business before and as far as I can tell, it is more than worthy of its legendary status. Looks amazing!

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  33. The hot brown looks like the perfect offering for a delicious light repast. I like cold beer with it.

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  34. We've been doing a lot of sandwiches lately I should add this to the list.

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  35. I have never heard of these sandwiches, but they look amazingly delicious! I always look forward to what your recipes, Mary! You are awesome... Thanks for sharing :) Happy Mother's Day!

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  36. That SANDWICH! wow...Mary, simply irresistible!
    Happy Mother's Day to you! (I hope you don't have to cook tomorrow.;-))

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  37. Like always Mary your creations look and I am sure taste great. I am glad you tried to lighten it a little. My doctor won't be quite as angry with me. So did you find a hat or is that beautiful pink beauty yours?

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  38. I've never heard of either of these sandwiches. They both look so tasty. I could easily tuck into one right now.

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  39. Mary, My kind of food! Just add a bit of Tabasco to either sandwich and I'd be ready to go. They look great! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

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  40. How wonderful that would be for a mother's day dinner. I am sure your family will enjoy your special day as well as yourself. Best wishes.

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  41. Thats an artery clogger for sure. Its better to eat it after the race in case it clogs the artery even before the race begins:) It would be a shame to miss the race

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  42. Yum!!! Looks so delishhh! My family has always been race horse people so we like to celebrate when the Derby is on...think I'll make these today!

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  43. I love Derby Day - my father loved horse racing and we always paid attention to this race - and always thought it funny that all this prep happens for two minutes - but it is a rite of spring. I really, really yearn for the cream sauce with the sandwiches. A perfect southern sandwich.

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  44. What a fabulous tribute to Derby Day, Mary! I'll take one of each and don't bother with the lightening up. It's just once a year, right?

    Thank you so much for sharing...I appreciate the dose of history as well:)

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  45. Mary these sandwiches look amazing and delicious.Happy Mothers day to you Mary, huggs, gloria

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  46. Lighten up, Smighten up! Give it to me naughty and delicious! These sammiches are fantastic, Mary! Thanks so much for sharing and for the very interesting little Hot Brown history :)

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  47. Last spring I went to Kentucky and enjoyed my first (and only) Hot Brown. It was delicious and I didn't eat anything else that day - it was that filling. I don't ever need to eat one again, but it was a great experience.

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  48. Looks delicious, thanks for the classic recipe.

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  49. there's a part of me that really wants to don that hat to the races, they look like so much fun to wear!

    and that sandwich, goodness gracious, who wouldn't want to sink their teeth into that!

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  50. Wow, look at all that melted cheese! My kind of sandwich...

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  51. I love sandwiches especially with turkey ham as the filling. Your sandwiches looks heavenly!

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  52. I love sandwiches especially with turkey ham as the filling. Your sandwiches looks heavenly!

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  53. that looks so delicious Mary !
    Thanks for sharing,have a lovely day....

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  54. Both sandwiches look great - but I agree, I would definitely not use cream! I make that sort of sauce with 2% milk and it comes to no harm at all.

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  55. Mmm the hot brown sandwich looks really good! Thanks for sharing! Happy Mother's Day!

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  56. Delish, but I'm certain that even reading the ingredients made my arteries clog just a little bit... ;)

    Happy Mother's Day, Mary!

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  57. I love hot browns. The best part is dipping your fries in the leftover sauce.

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  58. Looks so good!!! I wish I can have a big bite of it. Great pictures too!

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  59. That looks SO AMAZING! Although I would be terrified to type that into my Weight Watchers tracker, I think this is a sandwich best consumed ona cheat day!

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  60. just saw this on another blog, but slightly different. either way, i've never had hot browns and would just love to try some and to try to make them.....with a little mint julep added in. The Derby was awesome. thanks for sharing the recipe for this traditional derby recipe!

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  61. Happy Pink Saturday, Mary.

    We were definitely watching The Derby. I had my hopes on Pants On Fire, but we had a surprise winner. It is all fun.

    You know I'm hungry now.

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  62. I must say that this looks so delicious! I wanted to reach right in to my computer and grab it!!

    Thanks for sharing.

    I invite you to come visit my blog....I'm giving away something pretty! http://luluscottage.blogspot.com

    Take Care,

    Stephanie

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