Diner Special Open Face Turkey Sandwich

Early one Saturday morning in May, my guys and I took a drive up into the Motherlode to the town of Jackson. It had been a good long while since Classic Car Shows were allowed to take place in California.

Wow – people were starved for a Classic Car Show and the ability to gather together. While masks were still mandatory at the time of the show, hundreds of unmasked Classic Car fans took to the streets. It felt so good to be up in the hills, surrounded by people, and see their smiling faces.

On our way home, we stopped at a little diner for dinner. While my guys went for burgers, I was in the mood for Old-Folk Diner Food. I ordered a blue-plate special open face turkey sandwich. While my guys enjoyed their burgers, they kept eyeing my sandwich all smothered in gravy with a side of mashed potatoes.

Naturally, I knew I had to put this Diner Favorite on our menu. While it was good, next time I think I’ll roast a turkey breast the day before. And use real mashed potatoes. Home cooking is always better. That said, for a hassle free supper, this was pretty darn good.

Diner Special Open Face Turkey Sandwich
Almost from Scratch Turkey Gravy
1 slice Deli Turkey
1 tablespoon Butter
1 tablespoon Flour
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
1 jar Turkey Gravy
Pinch Poultry Seasoning
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Finely dice a slice of turkey, set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add diced turkey, sprinkle with flour. Cook over medium heat for 2 or 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, bring to a boil.

Lower heat, continue to cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Add jar of Turkey Gravy. Season with poultry seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.

Open Faced Sandwich
8 (1/2-inch thick) slices Deli Smoked Turkey Breast
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
8 slices Whole Wheat or White Bread

Cut each slice of turkey breast in half. Place in a saucepan with a little chicken stock. Gently warm the meat, keep warm until ready to serve.

Instant Mashed Potatoes
3 cups Milk
1/2 cup Water
1 tablespoon Butter
1 pouch Family-Size Instant Mashed Potatoes
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

In a microwave safe large bowl, add milk, water and butter. Heat for 5 minutes on high. Carefully remove bowl from microwave. Add instant potatoes, fluff with a fork.

Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Buttery Green Beans
1 can Kitchen Cut Green Beans
1 tablespoon Butter

Drain green beans, rinse to remove excess salt water. Empty beans into a saucepan. Warm gently over medium-low heat.

When warmed through, add butter, stir and keep warm until ready to serve.

To Serve: Place 2 sliced of bread on each dinner plate. Top bread with warmed turkey meat. Place a scoop of mashed potatoes alongside the open face sandwich. Drizzle potatoes and turkey with warm gravy. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Serve with some butter green beans and enjoy a truly authentic Diner Blue Plate Special.