Turkey Tenders with Eggplant and Zucchini

grilledturkey

What You Need:

2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tbsp garlic chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
2 tsp lemon zest, grated
1/4 C lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 (1 lb.) turkey breast tenders
1 (1 lb.) eggplant
1 (1 lb.) zucchini
3 plum tomatoes

How to Make It:

Whisk together in a bowl the oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Remove 1/2 C of the marinade and refrigerate until ready to use.
Place the turkey into the bowl and toss to coat.
Cover the bowl and chill for 45 minutes.
Spray a baking sheet well with a non stick cooking spray.
Cut the eggplant and zucchini into 1/2 thick slices.
Cut the tomatoes in half then place all the vegetables onto the prepared baking sheet.
Preheat the grill.
Transfer the turkey from the marinade to the hot grill.
Cook for 7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Place the cooked turkey onto a platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Grill the eggplant and zucchini slices for 4 minutes per side or until tender.
Grill the tomato halves for 2 minutes per side or until charred.
When the vegetables have cooled just enough to handle cut them into bite size pieces.
Add the pieces to the reserved marinade and toss to coat.

Makes 6 servings

Turkey is easy to cook and takes well to many different flavorings like this marinade. Grilling your turkey makes it even more of a snap. Adding the grilled vegetables means less time in the kitchen. Turkey is also quite healthy for us. Both the white and dark meat contains many nutrients although dark meat does contain more fat. Use leftovers in a salad or as a lunchtime sandwich.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Marinade Time: approximately 45 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 26 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 26 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate amounts per serving)
Calories 243; Fat 6g; Saturated Fat 1g; Carbohydrates 10g; Protein 39g; Fiber 2g; Cholesterol 94mg; Sodium 159mg

Comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup

chixtortillasoup

What You Need:

4 corn tortillas cut in half then cut crosswise into narrow strips
2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans of chicken broth
1 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise then slices in 3/4 inch slices
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 C of corn
1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 C cooked chicken, shredded
1 tomato, cut into chunks
1/2 C cilantro, chopped

How to Make It:

Spray a heavy soup pot well with a non stick cooking spray and place over medium heat.
Place the tortilla strips into the pan and toast for 5 minutes.
Remove the tortillas and place in a bowl.
Add the chicken broth to the pan and stir in the zucchini, garlic and cumin.
Bring the broth to a rapid boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 3 minutes.
When the zucchini is crisp tender, place the tortillas, corn and beans into the pot.
Cover and simmer 5 minutes or until the tortillas have softened.
Stir in the chicken, tomatoes and cilantro.
Simmer another 15 minutes or until heated through.

Makes 4 servings

Soup is a comfort food but did you know it’s also a very healthy food. Warm comforting soup helps to fight off hunger fills us up and provides us with valuable vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to stay healthy. You can double this recipe so there will always be a hearty bowl of soup available to help fend off a cold or those rainy day blues.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 28 minutes
Total Time: approximately 43 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 309; Fat 6g; Saturated Fat 1g; Carbohydrates 36f; Protein 26g; Fiber 8g; Cholesterol 47mg; Sodium 730mg

Sliced Italian Turkey

italianturkey

What You Need:

1 turkey breast, cut into slices
1 (16 oz.) can of tomatoes, chopped and juice reserved
1 (8 oz.) can of new potatoes with water
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 tsp bottled minced garlic

How to Make It:

Lay the turkey into the pressure cooker.
Place the tomatoes over the turkey and pour in the reserved juice.
Pour the potatoes, water included, into the cooker.
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top.
Add the garlic and stir to combine.
Bring the pressure cooker up to high pressure.
Cook 10 minutes then reduce the pressure under cold water.

Makes 4 servings

To add to the Italian flavor of this dish use seasoned tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes. You may also change the taste by adding 2 tsp of your favorite mixed herbs instead of the Italian seasoning.

Roast Turkey and Seasoned Vegetables

roastturkey

What You Need:

1 lb. new potatoes, quartered
1 lb. carrots cut into pieces
1 onion, cut into wedges
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 C of water
1 (3 lb.) turkey roast with netting

How to Cook It:

Coat the inside of the crock pot with a non stick cooking spray.
Mix together the potatoes, carrots and onions in the crock pot.
Sprinkle the vegetables with all the seasonings.
Pour the water over the top of the seasoned vegetables.
Lay the netted turkey onto the vegetables.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 9 hours.
Allow the turkey it to stand 15 minutes before removing the netting and slicing.

Makes 6 servings

This turkey may be cooked on high for 5 hours. Make use of the leftovers from this delightful dish. Store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reuse in a turkey pot pie or a hearty turkey soup or stew.

Preparation Time: approximately 30 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 9 hours
Total Time: approximately 9 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 270; Fat 4g; Saturated Fat 1g; Carbohydrates 29g; Fiber 3g; Protein 29g;  Cholesterol 81 mg; Sodium 1,601 mg

Cubed Turkey Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

stawberries

stawberriesWhat You Need:

8 C of salad greens
2 1/2 C cooked turkey cut into cubes
2 C of kiwi, peeled and sliced
1 C of cherry tomatoes
1/2 C toasted almonds, sliced
1 C fresh strawberries, chopped coarsely
2 T of red wine vinegar
1/8 t pepper

How to Make It:

Place the salad greens into a large salad bowl.
Add the turkey and toss to combine.
Spread the kiwi over the top of the salad.
Add the cherry tomatoes.
Top with the sliced almonds.
Put the strawberries, vinegar and pepper into the blender.
Blend until smooth then drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad tossing to coat well.

Makes 4 servings

This refreshing summertime salad makes a great quick fix meal. Add slices of French bread, bread sticks or crackers on the side. Chicken may be used in place of the turkey if you like.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Total Time: approximately 20 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 318; Fat 11g; Saturated Fat 2g; Carbohydrates 25f; Fiber 7g;
Protein 30g; Cholesterol 67 mg; Sodium 138 mg

Cumin Turkey with Squash

squash

squashWhat You Need:

1 1/2 C of quinoa grain
2 C of chicken broth
1 1/2 lb. turkey tenderloin
1 t ground cumin
1/4 t of salt
2 scallions, sliced
2 mild green chilies, stemmed, seeded and chopped
1 squash, halved lengthwise and sliced
2 C of fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced
1 C of salsa

How to Make It:

Place the oven temperature at 450 degrees allowing the oven to preheat.
Generously spray a cast iron Dutch oven with a non stick cooking spray.
Pour the chicken broth into the pan.
Add the quinoa and spread the mixture out evenly over the bottom of the pan.
Place the turkey into the pan and sprinkle with the salt and cumin.
Spread the scallions and green chilies over the turkey.
Add the squash and spinach leaves.
Top the spinach with the sliced bell peppers.
Spread the salsa evenly over the top of the spinach.
Cover tightly and bake 30 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through.

Makes 4 servings

Quinoa is a light grain with a light nutty flavor. It can be found in most supermarkets in the pasta/rice sections. If you prefer a little more bite to your dish use jalapeno peppers instead of the green chilies.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Baking Time: approximately 30 minutes
Total Time: approximately 50 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 402; Fat 11g; Carbohydrates 56g; Cholesterol 86 mg; Sodium 268 mg; Protein 14g; Fiber 7g

Hodge Podge Chicken Dinner

hodgepodgechix

hodgepodgechixWhat You Need:

1 small onion, sliced thin
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
1 t dried basil
1 t dried oregano
1 t dried marjoram
2 C of bow tie pasta
1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs
1/2 t salt
1/4 t of pepper
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1 C of carrots, sliced
1 C of cauliflower florets
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into thin strips

How to Make It:

Preset the oven to 450 degrees.
Spray the bottom and sides of a cast iron Dutch oven with cooking spray.
Scatter the onions over the bottom of the pan.
Pour the juice off of the tomatoes into a measuring cup and enough water to the juice to make 1 C of liquid.
Stir the basil, oregano and marjoram into the tomato juice mixture.
Spread the pasta into the pan and pour in 3/4 C of the tomato juice mixture.
Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper and lay if over the pasta.
Spread the tomatoes evenly over the top of the chicken.
Scatter the garlic over the chicken pieces.
Place the carrots, cauliflower and bell pepper into the pan.
Pour the remaining tomato juice mixture over the vegetables.
Cover and bake 45 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender and chicken is cooked through.

Makes 4 servings

This dish can be made using just about any type of vegetable. Mix and match corn, green beans, broccoli, zucchini, squash or even eggplant to a just throw it in there easy dinner meal.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Baking Time: approximately 45 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 304; Fat 4g; Carbohydrates 34g; Cholesterol 75 mg; Sodium 660 mg; Protein 32g; Fiber 4g

All in One Turkey Supper

turkey

turkeyWhat You Need:

1 lb. boneless turkey breast
1/4 t of salt
2/3 C of frozen cranberries
2/3 C of orange marmalade
1 t of lemon juice
1/8 t of pepper
1/2 C of walnuts
1/2 C of turkey broth
2 C of pearl onions
1 large sweet potato cut in 1/4 inch slices
3 C of frozen cut green beans
1 t of dried sage

How to Make It:

Spray the inside and the lid of a cast iron Dutch oven with a non stick cooking spray.
Allow the oven to preheat to 450 degrees.
Lay the turkey into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the salt evenly over the top of the turkey.
Put the cranberries into the blender or food processor.
Blend until the cranberries are broken into small chunks.
Place the marmalade, lemon juice and the pepper in with the cranberries.
Pulse a couple of times to mix the ingredients together well.
Put the walnuts and broth in and blend until the walnuts are chopped into bite size pieces.
Pour half of the cranberry mixture over the top of the turkey.
Spread the onions over the top of the turkey.
Place the sweet potato slices evenly over the onions.
Add the remaining cranberry mixture.
Scatter the green beans over the potato slices and sprinkle the sage evenly over the top.
Place the lid on the pan and bake for 35 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through.
Remove the turkey to a platter and cool slightly before slicing.
Serve the sauce over the top of the turkey slices.

Makes 4 servings

This is a great way of including a special meal into our everyday life without spending hours in the kitchen. The cranberries may be dried, fresh or frozen. The turkey and green beans may also be frozen. There is no need to thaw frozen ingredients as it will not change the amount of cooking time but will save you valuable kitchen time. If you’re in a pinch use orange juice with pulp instead of the marmalade.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Baking Time: approximately 35 minutes
Total Time: approximately 45 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 494; Fat 15g; Carbohydrates 52g; Cholesterol 79 mg; Sodium 275 mg; Protein 40g;
Fiber 7g

Yam and Turkey Stew

roasted-turkey

roasted-turkeyWhat You Need:

1 lb. turkey breast, cubed
1 onion, chopped
2 C of chicken broth
1 1/2 C dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1/2 t of basil
1/2 t of garlic powder
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 white potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1 C of celery, sliced
1/2 C of water
2 T of arrowroot
1/2 t of salt

How to Make It:

Spray the cooker with a cooking spray.
Place the turkey into the cooker and sprinkle with the onions.
On medium heat brown the turkey and onions for 8 minutes.
Pour the broth and wine into the cooker and stir to blend.
Add the bay leaf, basil and the garlic powder.
On medium heat bring the cooker to high pressure and cook 6 minutes.
Release the pressure quickly under running cold water.
Add in the sweet potatoes, white potatoes and celery.
The cooker is brought back to high pressure and the mixture cooked for 3 minutes.
Release the pressure quickly again under running cold water.
Remove the bay leaf from the pressure cooker and discard.
Stir the arrowroot into the 1/2 C of water until dissolved.
Add the arrowroot water mixture to the ingredients and stir until blended in well.
Return the cooker to medium heat and stirring constantly cook until thickened.
Sprinkle in the salt and stir to blend.

This taste like it has been simmering all day but it’s quick and simple. Use leftover turkey and potatoes to save time and money.

Makes 4 servings

Onion and Bacon Rib Roast

1redrose
What You Need:

1 (4 to 5 lb.) bone in rib roast
1 garlic clove, minced
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 onion, sliced
8 strips of bacon

How to Make It:

Allow the oven to heat to 325 degrees.
Place the roast on a rack placed in a shallow baking dish fat side up.
Rub the garlic over the entire roast.
Sprinkle the entire roast with the salt and pepper.
Lay the sliced onions over the top of the roast.
Place the strips of bacon evenly over the onions.
Bake, uncovered until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat reads 160 to 170 degrees, about 3 hours.
Place the cooked roast on a meat platter and allow standing 15 minutes before carving.

Makes 10 servings

Preparation time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking time: approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes
Total time: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

This elegant but very simple meal will knock Mom off her feet. Add a salad and baked potato and she’ll know just how much you care. It’s so simple to prepare and while it’s roasting you can pamper Mom in other ways.