MELTED LEEK, TURKEY AND CHEDDAR SANDWICHES

Makes 4 sandwiches

Buttery leeks, roasted turkey, salty-nutty aged white cheddar and Dijon mustard all on toasted focaccia make this a dynamically delicious Thanksgiving “leftovers” sandwich. However, this is well worth eating year-round, so don’t think you only have a few days to make it. Also, focaccia is a suggestion here, but any bread you have or are accustomed to should be a fine substitute.

• 3⁄4 pound leek (about 2 small to medium leeks)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves or 3 thyme stems with leaves

• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1⁄2 teaspoon fine sea salt)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 4 squares of thick focaccia, sliced in half

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, plus more for serving

• Mayonnaise, for serving

• 1 pound sliced roasted turkey

• Aged white cheddar, sliced thinly, for serving (about 3 to 4 ounces)

Trim the root ends off the leeks and then thinly slice into 1⁄4 inch-thick coins. Slice the entirety of both leeks, from white bottom to green tops. Transfer to a large bowl or salad spinner, fill with cold water, swish around to dislodge dirt and drain. Repeat the rinsing as necessary, then drain and dry very well. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a pot over medium-low. Add the garlic, thyme, 2 teaspoons mustard, salt and the rinsed leeks. Use tongs to gently toss leeks and coat in the melted butter, reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Cook the leeks, occasionally lifting the lid to toss and stir, until very tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in the lemon juice. Meanwhile, toast the focaccia. Then smear Dijon mustard on the inside of the bottom four slices of the focaccia. Spread mayonnaise on the inside of the other four remaining top pieces of toasted focaccia.

To serve, place the turkey on the inside of the mustard-smeared slices of focaccia. Then top the turkey with the leeks, followed by cheese. Close the sandwich by placing the other slices of focaccia over the top.