Cuban Sandwich Casserole and "Mofongo" Turkey

Cuban Sandwich Casserole Yield: 6 to 8 servings

1 tablespoon butter 16 slices sandwich bread 10 to 12 slices Swiss cheese 10 to 12 slices baked ham 3 dill pickles, thinly sliced 6 eggs 3 cups milk 2 teaspoons dry mustard 3 cups corn flakes, crushed 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted

“Pack all that authentic Cuban flavor into one of my favorite culinary forms: the casserole!”

One day ahead: Grease a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Cut the crusts off the bread and line the bottom of the pan with 8 slices. Place half the cheese slices evenly over the bread. Place an even layer of ham on top using all of the ham. Layer over the remaining cheese slices, top with the pickle slices and the remaining bread. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and dry mustard. Pour this mixture over the top of the casserole, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate over night.

Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Heat the oven to 350°F. Melt the butter and mix it with the corn flakes. Spread the cereal mix evenly over the sandwiches. Bake at 350° for one hour. The casserole will have puffed up and browned around the edges. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe courtesy George Duran

Mofongo “Turkey”

4 ripened plantains, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1/2 cup chicken or turkey stock Oil (for deep frying) 1/2 cup chopped Turkey 3 cloves garlic Olive oil Salt for seasoning

“Imagine the look of surprise when you serve them mofongo that looks like a mini-turkey during the holidays!”

1. Peel plantains. Cut into one inch slices. Soak for 15 minutes in salt and water. Drain well.

2. Heat fat or oil. Add plantain slices and fry for 15 minutes but do not brown. Drain on paper towel.

3. In a mortar (for pounding), crush garlic cloves and sprinkle with salt, add olive oil and stock to the mixture and keep pounding.

4. Crush a portion of the fried plantain slices and add the chopped turkey. Add some of the garlic and olive oil mixture and keep pounding.

5. Spoon the mixture into non-stick metallic greased 9x9 pan (or in a small turkey mold!)

6. Place in oven at 350° for 15-20 minutes.

Recipe courtesy George Duran