To make the gravy, heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt and pepper and saute, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft, have released their liquid, and are golden, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and stir well to blend. Cook, stirring frequently, until the flour begins to brown, about 6 minutes. Add the onion and celery and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the chicken broth, Essence, and salt, to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the mixture thickens and the floury taste is gone, about 20 minutes.

To assemble the sandwiches, spread about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the mayonnaise on each slice of bread. Arrange equal amounts of the turkey on top. Ladle equal amounts of the mushroom gravy (almost 1/2 cup each) over each open-faced sandwich. Serve immediately.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch

Published by William Morrow, 1993.