What a Turkey!

While many of us here in the U.S. consider turkey to be the main meat for Thanksgiving, and ham for Christmas, there are those who prefer turkey for both holiday meals. Here are six turkey recipes to either add to your holiday meal or afterwards, including Grilled Turkey Portabella Mushrooms & Vegetable Kebabs and Alphabet Turkey Soup. Enjoy!

TURKEY AND VEGGIE MEATBALLS WITH FENNEL

This is from Diabetes Self-Management. To view this online, click here.

Yield: 6 servings. Serving size: 6 meatballs.

Serving suggestion: Top with a lower-sodium meatless marinara sauce.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey

1/2 cup finely chopped green onions

1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1/3 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup shredded carrot

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 egg whites

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Combine all ingredients except oil in large bowl; mix well. Shape into 36 (1-inch) balls.

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs; cook 11 minutes or until no longer pink in center, turning frequently. Use fork and spoon for easy turning. Serve immediately or cool and freeze.*

*Note: To freeze, cool completely and place in gallon-size resealable food storage bag. Release any excess air from bag and seal. Freeze bag flat for easier storage and faster thawing. This will also allow you to remove as many meatballs as needed without them sticking together. To reheat, place meatballs in a 12×8-inch microwavable dish and cook on HIGH 20 to 30 seconds or until hot.

ALPHABET TURKEY SOUP

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

View online: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/alphabet-turkey-soup

Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/alphabet-turkey-soup/print/

Ingredients

4 cups turkey broth or reduced-sodium chicken bouillon

1 can (16 ounces) tomatoes

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup peeled and thinly sliced carrots

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 cups thinly sliced cabbage

2 cups cooked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/2 cup alphabet pasta

Directions

In 5-quart saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine broth, tomatoes, onion, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Add cabbage, turkey and pasta; return to boil. Immediately reduce heat and simmer 5 to 10 minutes or until cabbage and pasta are tender.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 152; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 592 mg; Cholesterol: 27 mg; Protein: 14 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g

GRILLED TURKEY, PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS AND VEGETABLE KEBABS

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

View online: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/grilled-turkey-portabella-mushrooms-and-vegetable-kebabs

Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/grilled-turkey-portabella-mushrooms-and-vegetable-kebabs/print/

Ingredients

1-1/2 to 2 pounds turkey thighs, skinned, boned & cut into 1-inch cubes

2 whole portabella mushrooms, stemmed & quartered

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1/2 medium red bell pepper, seeded & cut into 1-inch cubes

1 small yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch rounds

1 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch rounds

Directions

Place turkey cubes and mushroom quarters in a large, self-closing, food-safe plastic bag.

In small bowl, combine green onions, oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, rosemary and tarragon. Pour over turkey and mushrooms. Seal bag and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Spray grill rack with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Prepare grill for direct heat cooking.

Drain turkey and mushrooms from marinade and discard marinade.

On 10 or 12-inch skewers, alternating ingredients, arrange drained turkey cubes, mushrooms, bell pepper, yellow squash and zucchini.

Grill over medium flame or coals 10 to 12 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink in center, turning once. Cook thighs to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 320 Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 150 mg; Cholesterol: 130 mg; Protein: 49 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Sugars: 3 g

APPLE AND PEACH CHUTNEY TURKEY PATTIE

Recipe Yield: 4 servings.

View online: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/apple-and-peach-chutney-turkey-pattie

Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/apple-and-peach-chutney-turkey-pattie/print/

Ingredients

4 tablespoons canola oil, divided

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1 apple, peeled, cored and finely diced

1/4 cup chopped green onion

1 clove garlic, finely diced

1 pound ground turkey

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/3 cup peach chutney

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In medium-size fry pan, heat 2 tablespoons canola oil.

Saute red onion, apple, green onion and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes, over medium-low heat.

Place ground turkey in large mixing bowl.

Add apple mixture, mustard, peach chutney, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Form into burgers.

In large fry pan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons canola oil.

Cook burgers over medium heat until juices run clear, approximately 15 minutes.

Cooking time will depend on thickness of burgers. Turn once during cooking time.

Serve on whole wheat roll with side of baked chips.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 420; Fat: 26 g; Sodium: 370 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Protein: 23 g; Carbohydrates: 25 g

WARM TURKEY AND WHITE BEAN SALAD

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings

This can be viewed online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/warm-turkey-and-white-bean-salad

Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking

Book Title: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed (used to flavor pan)

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 pound cooked turkey breast, cubed

1 cup sliced roasted red peppers from jar

1/2 cup sliced green onions

1 cup frozen cut green beans, thawed

1 (15.5 ounce) can cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons prepared pesto

1 small head romaine lettuce, torn into small pieces

Directions

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add crushed garlic and saute 1 minute. Remove the garlic from the skillet and discard.

Add mushrooms and saute 2-3 minutes. Add turkey and saute 2 minutes. Add peppers, onions, and beans and cook 2 minutes. Add vinegar and pesto and heat thoroughly. Serve salad over lettuce. Garnish with walnuts if desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 256; Fat: 8 g; Cholesterol: 26 mg; Protein: 21 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 2 Lean Meat

TURKEY MEATLOAF

Recipe Yield: Makes 5 servings

Source: AICR

To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/turkey-meatloaf.

Ingredients

1/2 lb.ground turkey breast

1/2 lb. ground turkey

1/3 cup ketchup

1 cup unseasoned whole-wheat breadcrumbs

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 tsp. dried basil

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large egg

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup green bell pepper, minced

1/4 cup red bell pepper, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 Tbsp. ketchup (optional, to use as a topping)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients except 3 tablespoons of ketchup in a large bowl. Transfer mixture to a 9x5-inch non-stick loaf pan. Bake 1 hour, uncovered.

Remove from oven. Spread the 3 tablespoons ketchup on top, if desired. Cover lightly with foil and let meatloaf rest 10 minutes. Cut into slices and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 278; Fat: 10 g; Sodium: 420 mg; Protein: 24 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch, 3 Lean-Meat

Saturday Recipes

Here are today's six recipes to help you through the day, including Creamy Baked Custard w/Maple Syrup and Tangy Apple Slaw. Enjoy!

CARIBBEAN CHICKEN

Servings: 6

Source: Gourmet Inspirations Healthy Cooking

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/67.shtml

Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=67

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil

6 single chicken breasts (24 oz. raw weight) skinned, boned, washed, sliced in 1/2" strips

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/4 cup peach or apricot chutney (fruit sweetened)

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon each curry powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1-1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons dry white wine

2 teaspoons coconut flavoring

Directions

In a large skillet, heat oil to medium high, and saute chicken pieces until brown.

Remove chicken, set aside.

Saute garlic and onion in skillet until soft, and golden.

Stir in chutney and spices and cook one minute.

Add broth and wine, and heat through, stirring constantly.

Return chicken to sauce, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.

Stir in coconut flavoring. Serve over hot rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 44 mg; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 3 low-fat meat; 1/3 fruit

CHICKEN STUFFED WITH APPLES, ALMONDS AND BLUE CHEESE

This recipe begins, “Apples, almonds and blue cheese, mixed with vibrant, fresh dill and stuffed into tender chicken breasts. You get a bounty of flavors in every bite.”

Yield: 4 servings

Source: Almond Board of California

Author: Robin Miller

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1134.shtml

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 5 ounces each)

4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (any variety, including Gorgonzola)

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 apple (preferably Mackintosh, Gala, or Jufi), peeled, cored and diced

3 teaspoons chopped fresh dill

salt and freshly ground pepper

4 teaspoons olive oil

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (4 teaspoons) dried minced onion (from the spice aisle)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Coat a shallow roasting pan with cooking spray.

Using a sharp paring knife, slice a pocket into each chicken breast, as if halving a bagel, without completely cutting through the other side.

Arrange chicken in prepared pan and set aside.

In medium bowl, combine blue cheese, almonds, apple, and dill. Add a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Mix together with a fork until mixture is well blended and comes together.

Divide mixture into four equal portions and spoon each portion into the pocket of the chicken. Brush olive oil all over the top of chicken and season the top with salt, black pepper and dried onion (1 teaspoon dried onion for each breast).

Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 490; Protein: 53 g; Fat: 25 g; Sodium: 867 mg; Cholesterol: 141 mg; Saturated Fat: 7.9 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g

TURKEY AND VEGGIE MEATBALLS WITH FENNEL This is from Diabetes Self-Management. To view this online, click here.

Yield: 6 servings. Serving size: 6 meatballs.

Serving suggestion: Top with a lower-sodium meatless marinara sauce.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey

1/2 cup finely chopped green onions

1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1/3 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup shredded carrot

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 egg whites

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Combine all ingredients except oil in large bowl; mix well. Shape into 36 (1-inch) balls.

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs; cook 11 minutes or until no longer pink in center, turning frequently. Use fork and spoon for easy turning. Serve immediately or cool and freeze.*

*Note: To freeze, cool completely and place in gallon-size resealable food storage bag. Release any excess air from bag and seal. Freeze bag flat for easier storage and faster thawing. This will also allow you to remove as many meatballs as needed without them sticking together. To reheat, place meatballs in a 12×8-inch microwavable dish and cook on HIGH 20 to 30 seconds or until hot.

LEMON BASIL PESTO WITH FRESH VEGETABLES

Recipe Yield: Makes 8 servings.

View online: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lemon-basil-pesto-with-fresh-vegetables

Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lemon-basil-pesto-with-fresh-vegetables/print/

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups packed basil leaves

1/2 cup packed baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup walnuts

1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Asiago cheese

2 Tbsp. soft silken tofu

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 3/4" strips

1 pint small cherry tomatoes

Directions

In food processor, pulse basil and spinach until finely chopped.

Add nuts and cheese. Whirl until nuts are finely chopped.

Add tofu, salt and pepper. With motor running, drizzle in oil.

Add lemon zest and whirl to blend.

Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Makes 1 cup pesto.

To serve, scoop pesto into serving bowl.

Set bowl in center of a plate and arrange pepper strips and tomatoes around it.

Provide toothpicks so tomatoes can be neatly dipped.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 140; Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 180 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g

CREAMY BAKED CUSTARD WITH MAPLE SYRUP

This is from Diabetes Self-Management and can be found online at https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/recipes/desserts-sweets/creamy-baked-custard-with-maple-syrup/

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half

1/2 cup cholesterol-free egg substitute

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

Dash ground nutmeg

3 cups boiling water

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly spray 6 custard cups or ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine half-and-half, egg substitute, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour into prepared custard cups.

Pour boiling water into 13×9-inch baking dish. Place custard cups in dish. Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes. (Centers will not be completely set.) Remove cups from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate overnight.

Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Yield: 6 servings. Serving size: 6 ounces

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 131 calories, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 17 mg, Sodium: 139 mg, Fiber: 0 g

Exchanges per serving: 1 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Meat.

TANGY APPLE SLAW

This recipe begins, “A take-off on the traditional creamy version of coleslaw - chopped apples add crunch and a hint of sweetness.”

Recipe Yield: Serves: 6

View online: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/tangy-apple-slaw

Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/tangy-apple-slaw/print/

Ingredients

4 cups shredded green cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup chopped unpeeled apple (1 medium)

1/2 cup thinly sliced red or green bell pepper strips

2/3 cup light mayonnaise or salad dressing

1/3 cup reduced fat sour cream

3 tablespoons Equal ® Spoonful or Granulated*

1-1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon pepper

* May substitute 4-1/2 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

Combine cabbage, carrots, apple and pepper strips in medium size bowl.

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Equal, mustard, lemon juice and pepper.

Spoon Equal mixture over cabbage mixture; toss to combine.

Refrigerate, covered, 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to blend.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 152; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 331 mg; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 vegetable, 2 fat