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Ham and Turkey Tetrazzini

Source of Recipe

From "Crazy for Casseroles" by James Villas


Recipe Introduction

"Arguments rage over whether chicken Tetrazzini was created in Charleston, South Carolina, or San Francisco for the famous coloratura soprano Luisa Tetrazzini when she toured America in the early years of the twentieth century. Whatever the truth might be, a great American casserole was developed and has not only stood the test of time but lent itself to multiple interpretations, such as this one that I love to make with leftover turkey and ham during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays—or, in fact, any time I have leftover meat and want to fix a quick supper for friends. Note that no Tetrazzini is ever layered like most casseroles, and note also that the tossed dish can either be refrigerated overnight before baking or frozen till ready to be thawed and baked."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) butter
â—¦ ¼ pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
â—¦ ¼ cup all-purpose flour
â—¦ 1 teaspoon salt
â—¦ Black pepper to taste
â—¦ ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
â—¦ 1 cup chicken broth
â—¦ 1 cup milk
â—¦ 1 pound cooked ham, cubed (about 3 cups)
â—¦ 1 pound cooked turkey, cubed (about 3 cups)
â—¦ 1 cup black olives, drained, pitted, and chopped
â—¦ ½ cup slivered almonds
â—¦ ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
â—¦ 1 large egg yolk, beaten
â—¦ 7 ounces spaghetti, cooked according to package directions (but not more than 8 minutes) and drained


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 2- to 2 ½-quart casserole. In a small skillet melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over moderate heat, add the mushrooms, stir for 5 minutes, and remove from the heat.

In a large heavy pot over moderate heat, melt the remaining ¼ cup butter, add the flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add the broth and milk and stir till the sauce begins to thicken, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, add the ham, turkey, olives, almonds, cheese, and egg yolk, and stir till well blended.

Place the spaghetti in the casserole, pour the meat mixture over the top, toss to mix well, and bake till crusty, 25 to 30 minutes.

Makes 6 servings