Derby Hot Brown Bread Pudding- Bet on This One

Serve this with a light salad and green peas on Derby Day for a sure winner (of course have plenty of mint juleps on hand for the big race.) I use Tripp Country Ham and if it's not available in your area, order it on line, no need to refrigerate in shipping. The ham adds a wonderful flavor - you can bet on this dish. Also if you use thicker home made bread, you probably won't need as many pieces.
Derby Hot Brown Bread Pudding

7 slices of whole wheat bread, toasted and cut in bite-size pieces

12 ounces deli turkey breast, shaved fine and chopped into bite size pieces

8 ounces cooked country ham, bite size pieces

1 medium tomato, diced

12 slices thick bacon, baked crisp and crumbled

Cheese Sauce

4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

4 cups shredded Swiss cheese

3 cups milk

3 cups cream

4 tablespoons flour

1 stick of butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon brown sugar

To make cheese sauce: Melt butter in huge saucepan and gradually stir in flour and cook until thick. Gradually add cream, milk, cheeses, remaining ingredients, and heat thoroughly – stirring frequently.

In large greased lasagna-type baking dish, layer whole wheat toast, country ham, tomato slices (or asparagus, if you don’t like tomatoes), and crumbled bacon. Pour cheese sauce over everything, sprinkle some paprika or on top and heat at 375 degrees until the sauce is bubbly – at least 20-30 minutes.

There may be sauce leftover, depending on what your lasagna dish can handle. If so, use it over eggs on English muffins at a breakfast or brunch. Or serve it over broccoli at dinner. Or serve it as a hot dip with nachos.

One of my favorite Derby paintings by the legendary LeRoy Neiman, a master of color, sport, and movement.