This party sandwich loaf is an excellent device for using up holiday turkey, or for that matter, any leftover meat (chicken, ham, roast beef, etc.).

3 cups chopped cooked turkey or other cooked meat
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon grated onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 loaf (1 pound) thin sliced soft white sandwich loaf bread
1/2 cup (1 stick) soft butter
3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 package (4-oz) cream cheese
1 tablespoon light cream
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley

Make turkey filling: Mix together chopped turkey, celery, onion, and mayonnaise and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Trim crusts from bread; place 3 slices bread in row on sheet of wax paper; butter slices on one side and spread with turkey filling. Continue adding slices, buttering and spreading with filling until each stack contains 6 slices.

Press loaf together firmly. Beat blue cheese, cream cheese, and cream together; spread on top and sides of loaf; sprinkle with parsley and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Serve on platter garnished with watercress and sliced cucumber; slice loaf thinly; serve with sandwich plates and forks.

Yield: 6-8 slices.

Note: when planning a large party, make several sandwich loafs, varying fillings if desired, and estimating 1 loaf for 6 guests; at important or “high tea” parties arrange loafs around punch bowl on buffet table and add a platter of cold cuts and a ripe Brie cheese surrounded with crackers or French bread slices; a bowl of finger fruits in season (grapes, cherries, plums, apricots, nectarines) adds a touch of razzle-dazzle.

Copyright © 1977 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.