Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular herb, with its recognizable evergreen needle-like leaves. But did you know that it is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6? Rosemary adds not only a lovely fragrance to your dish, but it can be used in a variety of ways. For example, in this recipe for Rosemary Lemon Spatchcocked Turkey, Robyn Lindars uses rosemary in a compound butter mixture to coat the bird before grilling.

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are an underrated pantry staple that can take your turkey dish to the next level. They have a fresh, fruity and slightly minty aroma and are generally used dried and whole. While bay leaves add significant flavor, their toughness renders them mostly inedible, so most recipes call for their removal before serving. In a recipe that requires stewing or braising, such as Burgundy Braised Turkey Thighs, bay leaves add that savory bitterness that complete the dish.

Harissa

If you’re looking to add a little “wow” factor to your meal, harissa is the spice for you. Harissa is a North African spice blend with a base of smoked chili peppers. It can be powdered or paste-like and in a variety of flavors, from smoky to spicy to tangy. If this bold red spice is out of your repertoire, we recommend using it how you would any chili sauce or paste. Nick Evans of Macheesmo slathered this spice over a Spatchcocked Turkey for a marvelous presentation at Thanksgiving, but we think it would fit nicely all year long!

Turmeric

If you’re searching for a warm spice to incorporate into your turkey dish, look no further than turmeric. Turmeric is an earthy, bitter root that is ground and used primarily in Indian dishes, such as Tandoori Turkey. Known for giving curry its yellow hue and its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a great addition to spice up your mealtime, but remember, a little goes a long way with this spice!

Ginger

Looking for zest? Put ginger to the test! Ginger is a fragrant Southeast Asian spice used in both sweet and savory foods. While ginger won’t be the star of the dish, it plays well with other spices to create a balanced savory flavor. In this recipe for Thai Turkey Pasta, ginger adds a hint of sweetness to the mix to offset the heat and sodium of other ingredients.

The post Five Herbs and Spices for Turkey You May Be Missing appeared first on National Turkey Federation.

When it comes to the art of wine pairing, it is important to select a bottle that either contrasts or complements the flavors of the cuisine. For instance, a bold wine selection paired with a rich or complex dish may incite a rivalry of flavors on the palette, while a complementary choice unites the tastebuds for an entirely unique, collaborative tasting experience.

So, which wine pairs best with turkey? Short answer, it depends. From light to dark, fizzy to full-bodied, here are a few options for you to try with your next turkey recipe.

Champagne

Pop, fizz, clink! Champagne with turkey is a perfect drink!

Hailing from the Champagne region of France, this varietal is commonly light and fizzy with fresh, bright notes. If you are preparing a meal with simple, fresh ingredients, such as Herb Turkey Breast or a Turkey Caesar Salad, a glass of bubbly pairs nicely without overpowering the flavors of the dish. Champagne is also a great option to accompany a first course or appetizer. Might we suggest Turkey Confetti Bruschetta?

Chardonnay

A global favorite, Chardonnay is a great option for a wine pairing with turkey. Both elegant and simple, this white wine option complements mild, creamy cheeses, such as mozzarella or brie, and hearty pasta dishes. We recommend pouring a glass of Chardonnay when serving this Italian Sausage Pasta Bake or Turkey Veggie Lasagna. 

Syrah

For the perfect wine to pair with your bolder flavor profiles, you syrah-ously should think red! Medium- to full-bodied and fruit-forward, Syrah boasts notes of blueberry and plum with an occasional hint of tobacco, black pepper or violet. This selection would nicely contrast and, therefore, amplify the robust flavors of smoked turkey or dishes using heavy spices. Pair a nice glass of Syrah with a Mediterranean Turkey Burger or Harissa Spatchcocked Turkey for a tastebud explosion!

Malbec

Dark meat lovers, we have the perfect wine to pair with your delicious smoked or grilled turkey thigh, wing or leg recipes. Malbec, a full-bodied red, is the perfect complement for strong flavors of wood-smoked dishes or dark meat slathered in rich sauce. You may not immediately consider a glass of wine with your barbecue feast, but dishes with subtler or delicate flavors are no match for this robust selection, making Malbec an excellent choice for centerpieces like Cedar Planked Stuffed Turkey Breast or Dr. BBQ’s Cranberry BBQ Turkey Thighs.

While you’re dining with turkey at the holidays or just for fun, make sure you’re wining with that perfect pairing!

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The Smaller Gathering

Planning a holiday dinner party? Maybe the relatives are on their way from out of town and you’d like to prepare something that imparts your love and excitement to see them. Look no further than these cozy, comforting dishes to make your time together special.

Turkey Rollatini

All your holiday favorites rolled up perfectly into each bite. This Turkey Rollatini was created by recipe partner Nick Evans, Macheesmo to provide a beautiful centerpiece for your dinner party or add a little extra protein to a larger spread. A savory Italian sausage and cornbread stuffing add layers of flavor and texture to this dish. Simply stuff, roll and bake for 80-90 minutes until tender, flavorful results land on your table.

Turkey Marsala

A dish that will wow your guests is sure to bring holiday cheer to your gathering. Enter Turkey Marsala by recipe partner Katie Workman, The Mom 100. A creamy mushroom pan sauce is the secret to this recipe’s wow factor. Red wine, shallots, garlic and cream come together to make a thick and delicious sauce your guests will not soon forget.

The Holiday Feast

The holidays are here. When planning a grand spread for family and friends, don’t forget the turkey. Nothing turns heads like a beautifully roasted turkey at the center of your spread. Need some help carving that bad boy? Don’t fret, there’s a page for that! 

Cajun Roasted Turkey

Another stand-out recipe from Katie Workman, The Mom 100. This Cajun Roasted Turkey is all you need to light up the dining room. Packed with flavor from a scratch-made Cajun compound butter, this turkey is as juicy as it is tasty. Your guests may pick up a Cajun accent for the day, “geaux turkeys!”

Honey Glazed Smoked Turkey Breast

Looking to save some room in the oven? Bring your bird to the smoker and avoid any potential headaches in the kitchen with this Honey Glazed Smoked Turkey Breast. A guaranteed showstopper, if you can believe it, this dish tastes as good as it looks. Recipe partner Justin McChesney-Wachs, of Salt Pepper Skillet, created this sweet and savory dish for special occasions like the holidays. Treat your guests to smoked turkey while staying out of the kitchen this season.

Leftovers

The feast has finished, and dishes have been washed and returned to their cupboards. Wondering how you’ll use up all that leftover turkey? We’ve got you covered. There are numerous ways to use up your leftovers or freeze them to use another day. Here are two of the best ways to get those leftovers out of the fridge and into your meal planning.

Turkey Pot Pie

Yet another submission from holiday recipe pro, Katie Workman. A rich gravy and flaky crust set this recipe apart. Pot pie is the quintessential comfort food, and this recipe is nothing short of greatness. Leftover turkey takes on moisture and flavor in bubbling gravy while the crust browns to perfection over top.

BBQ Turkey Pizza

Perfect for any occasion, this BBQ Turkey Pizza is the right choice for kids and adults alike. Who doesn’t like the sweet and smoky flavor of BBQ sauce? Especially when there’s turkey in the mix! This recipe is quick, easy and keeps the cook time to a minimum. Turn up the heat by adding some diced fresh or pickled jalapenos (depending on how hot you like it)!

With these recipes in your back pocket, your holiday gatherings are sure to go off without a hitch! Need more go-to turkey tips and tricks? Check out these resources on other favorites like stuffing and gravy.

The post Festive Favorites: Holiday Turkey Recipes for Every Occasion appeared first on National Turkey Federation.

Tips for a Budget Friendly Thanksgiving

Plan Ahead: This is our top tip! Planning ahead allows you to scope out holiday deals and special discounts at local grocery stores. Check out newspaper circulars or online coupons to know when to shop. Grocery stores often offer special discounts or deals featuring turkey. Don’t leave your grocery shopping until the last minute, especially when it comes to the turkey. Otherwise, you may be left with fewer options.

Make a List: Make a list and stick to it! This is part of planning ahead and will help you stay under budget. Going to the store without a list often leads to buying things you don’t need or duplicative ingredients (hello, three containers of nutmeg in the cupboard!).

Buy What You Need: Along those lines, know what size turkey you need! Want leftovers? Go bigger. And take a look at our leftovers inspiration below. If you’re looking for something smaller, try a turkey breast or other cuts. We can help you calculate just how much turkey you need to serve your crew!

Use All of the Turkey: Don’t throw out those “extra” turkey parts that come with your whole bird. The neck and giblets can be used for a rich, flavorful gravy or a simple turkey stock!

Share the Responsibility: You don’t have to do it all! Save your budget by asking guests to bring a side or dessert to share. Who knows – you may find a new favorite Thanksgiving dish!

Keep it Simple: You don’t have to recreate a magazine spread. A delicious meal for family and friends can be simple. Turkey, a few key sides and a dessert are all you need. Want a fall-themed table for less? Collecting leaves or acorns from the backyard makes for free table decorations!

Leftovers for the Win

If you’re looking to make the most of your meal, it’s all about the leftovers. Thanksgiving isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Take advantage of extra turkey to whip up more meals! Looking for an easy post-Thanksgiving brunch? Thanksgiving Turkey Frittata and Leftover Turkey Hash deliver. If comfort food is on the menu, try a classic Turkey Pot Pie or Leftover Turkey Split Pea Soup. For a twist on the traditional, Thanksgiving Eggs Rolls and Hot Pockets are a fun (and delicious!) way to put leftovers to work. Plus, there’s nothing like a leftovers sandwich stacked with turkey breast, stuffing and cranberry sauce. For you Friends fans, you know we’re talking about a Moist Maker! Check out our full archive of leftovers possibilities.

Freezing Leftovers

Want to save your leftovers for later? Or thinking ahead for meal prep? Freezing leftover turkey is a great way to keep your leftovers longer and save on the grocery bill down the road. If you are planning to put them on ice, it’s best to freeze the turkey within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. Leftover turkey freezes well for up to six months if properly handled, packed and frozen. But we recommend using it within three months for the best results. Check out our step-by-step guide for freezing leftover turkey.

Pro Tip: Use a permanent marker to label a freezer-proof bag or container with the kind of turkey you are freezing (dark meat, sliced, cubed) and the date.

The holiday meal doesn’t have to break the bank. Celebrating Thanksgiving is about gratitude and spending time with the special people in your life. We hope these simple steps can help take a little stress off your pocketbook and leave more time for what matters. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

For more information on putting together your Thanksgiving meal, head over to Thanksgiving 101.

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Teaching kids the importance of food safety for family meals is a pivotal aspect of their development in the kitchen and beyond. Over the course of this post, we will highlight three of our favorite family meals and how to use each one to teach children the importance of food safety while you cook!

The Meals

There are so many great turkey recipes for families on this website. Picking just one was not an option, so here are three family-friendly meals we love! (As you may know, playing favorites can get messy.) Each of these recipes signals a valuable opportunity to introduce your kids to food safety and start building healthy habits.

Crunchy Turkey Tacos

A long-standing family favorite, taco night is a great chance to get kids in the kitchen! This recipe has no problem keeping things fun and fresh. As it relates to food safety, this recipe presents a chance to talk about how to safely handle and store raw poultry to avoid cross-contamination. Make sure they know the importance of sanitizing surfaces when cooking and how to keep raw poultry safely away from fresh foods in the fridge.

Ground Turkey and Vegetable Lasagna

Another tried and true family meal is lasagna. Layers of noodles, cheese, veggies and turkey are baked together to lock in all the flavor. This is a dish your kids are sure to love eating and preparing! Make sure to talk about the need for handwashing before cooking and after touching any raw ground turkey or open packaging. The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. A fun way for kids to remember this is to have them hum the happy birthday song while washing. You might be surprised by how excited they are to wash up once they know they’re keeping the family safe.

Classic Turkey Burgers

They call it a classic for a reason, and this dish takes food safety for family meals to the grill! Classic Turkey Burgers hit all the hallmarks of a quintessential outdoor family meal. Along with char-grilled flavor comes the chance to talk to kids about safe internal temperatures for food. For kids old enough to man the grill, make sure they are inserting the digital meat thermometer into the side of the turkey burger patty horizontally, all the way to the middle to read the temperature. Once the burgers have reached 165°F in the middle, they are ready to come off the grill and be devoured!

There’s so much that kids can learn in the kitchen. If you try one of these recipes, be sure to share it with us by tagging @ServeTurkey. To further brush up on food safety, and The Core Four: Clean, Separate, Cook & Chill, click here!

The post Food Safety for Family Meals appeared first on National Turkey Federation.

Classic

A tried and true rendition of an American classic. This turkey sandwich earns top marks in flavor and is so easy to prep. There’s plenty of merit to sandwiches with more outside-the-box ingredients, but sometimes that’s not what kids are craving. When only a classic will do, make sure they get a Classic Turkey Sandwich in their lunch.

Bold

For those that go bold, pack a sandwich that excites in their lunchbox. Have a kid that always wants to try something new? Try this recipe for Grilled Turkey Banh Mi Sandwiches with big flavors and enough crunchy veggies that you’ll feel good about sending them off to school with this lunch.

Extra Healthy

Even though both of the above sandwiches are nutritious, we have an option that checks boxes for veggie lovers and carb-conscious eaters. Healthy certainly does not have to mean boring. In fact, this turkey sandwich (technically a wrap) has maximum flavor potential rolled into a crave-worthy, fun lunch that they’ll ask for time and again. Turkey Collard Green Wraps are a creative way to pack in the veggies while maintaining a high level of fun with every bite. Collard green leaf too much? Try subbing it out with pita bread!

Choose turkey to give them a nutrient-dense boost to finish their day. Did you know that in addition to being naturally low in fat, turkey is rich in brain-healthy nutrients like iron, zinc and chromium? Consider trying turkey for your little one’s school lunch prep and maybe save a sandwich for yourself as well!

Thanks for attending Back To School Essentials: The Turkey Sandwich. We hope you have a great year!

The post Back to School Essentials: The Turkey Sandwich appeared first on National Turkey Federation.

First stop: Jamaica

Welcome to the islands! How about three recipes for a classic Jamaican jerk featuring turkey? There’s the traditional Jerk Turkey Sandwich with Coconut Mango Chutney for a recipe that keeps the heat at bay by using a sweet fruit chutney to balance out the spice in the marinade. Next up is the Grilled Jerk Turkey Salad that layers fresh, juicy mango with char-grilled, marinated turkey for the perfect bite of summer. Looking for one last taste of the islands? Before you head out, try Jerk Turkey Tacos that pack in the heat of jerk turkey and then cool things down with a refreshing cucumber slaw.

Next up: Korea

Long flight? You must be hungry! Luckily, Korean barbecue is on the menu. Turkey Dak Bulgogi is a classic Korean barbecue preparation with turkey taking the lead for an added twist. First up, a little fusion by way of Turkey Dak Bulgogi Tacos. Bold flavors like kimchi and chili paste meld with sticky sweet, marinated and grilled turkey cutlets. Another fun, fresh recipe to consider is Turkey Dak Bulgogi Rice Bowls. Crunchy broccoli and fluffy steamed rice are the perfect textural complements to char-grilled turkey. Swap out the sriracha with teriyaki to turn the spice down a notch or two. The third and final stop on your culinary tour of Korean barbecue is Turkey Dak Bulgogi Salad with Charred Scallion Dressing. Eating healthy never tasted this good! With crunchy carrots and cashews along with juicy grilled bulgogi turkey, you’ll be smitten with this salad.

Last Stop: Japan

We’ve decided to save the best for last, or at least the first thing served last. These two grilled appetizer recipes are massively popular in Japanese cuisine. Yakitori, while traditionally served with chicken, is the perfect match for turkey. For the first dish, Tsukune Yakitori, ground turkey is rolled into meatballs, skewered and then grilled and glazed with sauce. For the second, Mune Yakitori, chunks of juicy turkey are grilled and given a similar glaze over hot coals. You’ll never have a trip around the globe like the one you’ll take when you try new flavors with turkey. Bookmark these grilled turkey favorites for a journey your taste buds won’t forget!

The post Unlock Global Gobbler Status with Grilled Turkey Favorites appeared first on National Turkey Federation.

Clean

Clean and sanitize items regularly that come into contact with raw poultry or its packaging. No, this does not mean washing your poultry once it is taken out of the packaging! Not only does washing poultry not serve a food safety purpose, it actually spreads more bacteria around your kitchen, especially the sink basin. Limit the spread of bacteria by quickly cleaning surfaces and utensils. If you use a knife to trim your turkey while prepping it, make sure you wash it before slicing into your finished product. Don’t forget to wash your hands before and after handling raw poultry.

Separate

It is so important to keep surfaces that come into contact with raw turkey separate. This means putting your raw turkey into a separate bag at check-out and making sure that it stays away from raw fruits and vegetables until it reaches the fridge. Also, be sure to keep any cutting boards or utensils used for raw poultry separate from those used to prep vegetables or other raw foods that will not be cooked. Doing all your prep and cooking outside? Consider disposable cutting boards that allow for quicker cleanup. It’s also important to designate a clean and dirty hand when applying binders or rubs to keep the spread of bacteria to a minimum.

Cook

While this step may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many backyard grillers just wing it when it comes to checking for doneness. Always make sure your poultry reaches 165°F before serving! Use a meat thermometer to probe the center of the thickest part of the breast or thigh to get an accurate reading. If grilling sausages or burgers, probe the side of the burger or end of the sausage for the best reading and to avoid hitting the grill grates. Make sure the probe is deep enough to get a true reading of internal temperature.

Chill

Proper chilling is paramount to ensuring food safety standards are met. If you remove your poultry from the fridge for prep and your grill is taking a while to come up to temp, place your poultry back into the fridge until the grill is ready. Chilling food is also important for leftovers after serving. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. If you’re outside and the temperature is 90˚F or above, cut this time down to one hour.

Time to Grill

Now that food safety has been addressed, it’s time to get on the grill! We have tons of recipes for summer grilling on the EatTurkey.org and TurkeySmoke.org sites. Some of the hottest names in food blogging and BBQ have shared tried and true recipes to help your summer pop with flavor. Check out a few of our grilled and smoked favorites below!

• Jalapeno Popper Grilled Turkey Sandwich
• Beer Can Turkey Breast
• Southwestern Turkey Burgers

• Smoked Pulled Turkey Sandwich
• Char Siu Turkey
• Smoked Turkey Breast Pesto Sandwich

The post Summer Grilling Meets Food Safety appeared first on National Turkey Federation.

Fresh Takes

There’s obviously nothing wrong with going for a classic, but what about the home cook who wants to change things up? Keep your favorite flavors in the mix while introducing some nuance. Whether it’s a healthier alternative or the hottest recipe hack on social media, we’ve got you covered.

Looking for a light, but fun Mexican turkey dinner? Turkey Romaine Tacos with Jicama Slaw are sure to do the trick. Boasting a bright citric slaw to balance the savory flavors of ground turkey taco meat, these lettuce wrap tacos are anything but boring. Keeping the healthy substitute train rolling to our next stop, Turkey Fajita Bowls with Cauliflower Rice and your favorite flavors from the grill transformed into a bowl of goodness. Lastly, Mexican Turkey Sweet Potato Nachos work perfectly as an appetizer or entrée. While we can’t tell you when to serve these layers of love, we can say with certainty that this dish will be requested often.

For the next fresh take, we did a deep dive into social media to bring you the hottest trend in home cooking (according to TikTok). The Grilled Turkey Quesadilla is far from your average. One fold, we think not. How about three folds, each sporting a different layer of flavor? This recipe comes together quick and will save you plenty of prep and cook time. Sometimes, the internet actually is right.  

The Classics

These next recipes pair perfectly with a margarita or cerveza of your choice. We all love the classics, so why not dig in? If you’re looking for a righteous dish to satisfy your cravings, you’ve come to the right place. Like it spicy? Add a few extra jalapeno peppers for a kick in the spice department.

Verde Ground Turkey Enchiladas bring familiarity through a tasty green salsa and spiced ground turkey. This combo is lovingly wrapped into tortillas and baked until golden and bubbly. Looking for a standout party dish? These next two classics will provide ample excitement at any gathering. Cheesy Turkey Nachos with Avocado Lime Crema will go fast and have your guests asking for more. Our cheesy Mexican ground turkey is a safe bet to please a crowd and quell any hunger.

How else would we round out this stellar group than with the pinnacle of Mexican classics, Crunchy Turkey Tacos? Let’s be honest about one thing, one taco is never enough. This recipe is so good that you’ll have to make extra. Did we mention this sure-fire dish only takes 20 minutes to throw together? That’s right, please a crowd and take some stress off your plate.

Whichever way you choose, if you try turkey you’ll be in for a fiesta of flavors and texture. All roads on this map lead to flavor town and we’re just happy to go along for the ride.

The post Viva La Turkey! appeared first on National Turkey Federation.

The Picnic

Who doesn’t love a picnic? There’s nothing like spreading a blanket out in your favorite park or open space, especially if turkey is involved. Our top three recipes for picnics have a few shared traits, the main one being portability. You need a dish that not only travels well but requires little cleanup or use of utensils. These perfect picnic meals keep it light and easy while leaving a messy cleanup out of the equation.

• Turkey Caprese Sandwich
• Turkey Apple Brie Sandwich
• Mason Jar Turkey Cobb Salad

The Backyard Dinner

Fire up the grill because we are doing dinner outdoors! A backyard dinner could be for two or 20, so it’s important to have a recipe that can be doubled or even tripled to feed your hungry guests. We recommend using the grill for your backyard dinner as it gives you more time to interact with your guests, and a chance to show off your skills a little, too. Check out these sure-fire grilled dishes that lend themselves to outdoor eating.

• Beer Can Turkey Breast
• Grilled Split Turkey Breast
• Classic Turkey Burger

The Garden Party

The garden party is the perfect time to display your gardening and party planning prowess. Let us guide you towards a few dishes that have the perfect traits for this occasion. Those characteristics include being handheld, delicious and extra classy. Luckily for you, we have just the recipes to make your soiree go off without a hitch! Take a gander at the garden party must-haves below.

• Asian BBQ Turkey Lettuce Wraps
• Bite-sized Turkey Meatball Subs
• Fried Turkey and Waffle Bites

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