Baby Pumpernickel Turkey-Bacon Cheese Melts

• 48 slices pumpernickel cocktail bread
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 -2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups old cheddar cheese, grated
• 6 -7 cups finely chopped cooked turkey or 6 -7 cups cooked chicken
• 2 cups half-and-half cream or 2 cups full-fat milk
• salt and black pepper
• Tabasco sauce (optional)
• 34 cup grated parmesan cheese (you can use more)
• 7 -8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 7 -8 firm plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

1. Place the pumpernickel slices onto a large baking sheet; broil 6-inches from heat source for about 4 minutes (watch closely not to burn!)
2. set aside.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan, add in the chopped jalapeno, stir with wooden spoon for 1 minute.
4. Add in flour and whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually add in the half and half cream; cook over medium heat whisking continously until thickened and hot.
6. Add in the grated chedder cheese, stir until melted.
7. Add in chopped turkey or chicken; season with salt and black pepper and cayenne (if using).
8. Spoon EACH slice pumpernickel bread with the warm turkey/cheese mixture, then sprinkle with a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with the crumbled bacon .
9. Bake in a 450 degree oven for about 3 minutes or until the Parmesan is melted.
10. Remove from oven and top with a tomato slice then serve.

bread, butter, pepper, flour, cheddar cheese, turkey, cream, salt, tabasco sauce, parmesan cheese, bacon, tomatoes

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/baby-pumpernickel-turkey-bacon-cheese-melts-190276 (may not work)