Hot Browns

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a large heavy skillet cook bacon in batches over moderate heat, turning it, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer bacon as cooked to paper towels to drain.

   Step 2

   Toast bread and if desired discard crusts and lightly butter toast. Arrange toast on 6 flameproof plates and divide turkey among toasts.

   Step 3

   Preheat broiler.

2. Make sauce:

   Step 4

   In a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan melt butter over moderately low heat and whisk in flour. Cook roux, whisking constantly, 3 minutes. Add 2 cups milk in a stream, whisking, and bring sauce to a boil, whisking. Simmer sauce, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes.

   Step 5

   While sauce is simmering, in a bowl whisk together yolk and remaining cup of milk. Whisk about 1 cup sauce into yolk mixture. Remove pan from heat and whisk yolk mixture into sauce with Parmesan. Cook sauce over moderately low heat, whisking constantly, until a thermometer registers 160°F. Remove pan from heat and season sauce with white pepper and salt. In a small bowl whisk cream until it just holds stiff peaks and stir into sauce.

   Step 6

   Spoon sauce evenly over turkey and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over sauce. Broil sandwiches in batches about 2 to 3 inches from heat until sauce is lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

3. Step 7

   Arrange 2 bacon slices in an X on each serving.