Turkey is a standby for holiday meals, but is a healthy, low fat food for all year round. If you are hosting your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, you will find that you have lots of options for creating a picture perfect turkey. Grilled or deep fried turkey, made in the backyard, moves the mess and fuss outside, and offers a tender, juicy bird, with a tasty crisp outside layer. Smoke your turkey in an outdoor smoker; hickory chips in the smoker are key in giving your turkey a delicious, smokey taste.
Of course, the traditional stuffed turkey, baked in the oven, gives your entire home a warm, comfortable holiday feel, and the whole experience of a hearty turkey dinner with all the fixings can make a satisfying holiday experience. Turkey brines and basting sauces make the bird delicious and lock in the juices to create a delicious, juicy centerpiece to your holiday meal. Try a brine with a cranberry juice brine for a lightly fruity tang, or use a brine that includes cumin and garlic to give your bird a spicy twist.
After the holiday, when you are face with the leftovers, consider any number of leftover turkey recipes, including turkey tetrazzini, chili, turkey soup, or stew. You will find that you can create a wide range of comfort foods that are extremely satisfying on a cold winter night. Healthy and low fat, turkey is a great base for any number of casseroles and dishes, that are great for parties and potlucks, as well as family dinners.
Turkey isn’t just for the holidays, however. Ground turkey makes a healthy alternative to beef and pork. Ground turkey burgers are tender, juicy, and tasty, and can be used to create amazing sandwiches with some added herbs and ingredients. Serve with lettuce and tomato, with a side of French fries or a tossed salad. Make your next meatloaf with ground turkey, and find that your creation is juicy, not greasy. You can bake the meatloaf in the oven or cook it over the course of the day in your slow cooker.
Turkey sausage, ground or in links, is another delicious way to save on some calories and fat in your diet. Use ground turkey sausage in your baked lasagna or use links with sauerkraut to create your old stand by meals with less fat. You will find the texture of this lean meat preferable over the greasy nature of its pork counterpart. Enjoy turkey sausage for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Feel free to substitute turkey sausage for pork products in any recipe.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your turkey, your body and heart will thank you for including this hearty, healthy poultry in your diet. Versatile and delicious, turkey works great in most casseroles, stews, soups, and other dishes. Make it in the oven, on the grill, in the slow cooker, or on the stove, and you will have created a satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
