Turkey, Pesto Mayonaise and Dried Cranberry Sandwiches

Turkey, Pesto Mayonaise and Dried Cranberry Sandwiches

This is reminiscent of that day after Thanksgiving turkey sandwich (that my mom had to have at 9:30 in the morning while I ate left over apple pie for breakfast...she makes the best apple pie in the whole world...I digress) but you can have it anytime and the pesto with the dried cranberries? It'll make your tongue wanna slap your brains out! This recipe makes a big long sandwich that can feed 8 people. I just made the small batch of pesto and kept it in the fridge to make individual sandwiches throughout the week on my favorite oat nut bread and occasionally sneak in a slice of Swiss cheese. Enjoy!

Recipe: Turkey, Pesto Mayonaise and Dried Cranberry Sandwiches
Show: The Essence of Emeril
Episode: Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1 loaf ciabatta or French bread, 14 to 16 inches in length, ends trimmed on the bias
Pesto Mayonnaise, recipe follows
1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
3 tablespoons coarsely grated Parmesan
1 pound sliced baked turkey breast
2 cups chiffonade Romaine lettuce

Directions:
Cut the bread in half lengthwise and place on a work surface, cut sides up.

Spread the pesto mayonnaise on both sides of the bread to taste and sprinkle the cranberries across the bottom slices. Top the cranberries with a light layer of the cheese and arrange the sliced turkey evenly over the cheese and top with the lettuce. Place the top piece of bread over the lettuce, pressing down to adhere.

Slice crosswise on the bias into 4 equal portions, arrange on plates, and serve.


Recipe: Pesto Mayonnaise:
1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves (about 2 ounces)
1/3 cup lightly toasted pine nuts
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup mayonnaise (good quality store bought, or homemade)(I used low-fat)

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper and puree, scraping down the sides as needed. With the machine running, add the oil through the feed tube and process until the mixture is thick and smooth. Add the Parmesan and process for 15 seconds.

Transfer to a bowl and add the mayonnaise, stirring to blend well. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve. (The pesto mayonnaise will keep for 3 days refrigerated.)

Yield: 3/4 cup