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The Rural Voice, 2003-07, Page 38Rural Living Put Christmas tradition on the grill Selected by Bonnie Gropp Traditionally turkey conjures up images of Christmas feasts. However, recipes from the Ontario Turkey Producers' Marketing Board show that turkey can be an alternative for the barbecue. It's a choice with not only nutritional impact but plenty of flavour. When you heat up the grill next time - think turkey. TURKEY ON THE BARBECUE Generally a 12-15 pound turkey works best. To prepare: • Make sure turkey is thawed by proper methods (refrigerator or cold water) • Season turkey inside and out with preferred spices • Use a drip pan and place a small amount of water in it. Make sure the water level remains consistent throughout the cooking process • Skewer neck skin to back of bird, secure drumsticks with string, metal "hock -lock" or tuck under band of skin. Twist wings behind turkey. • Insert meat thermometer in inner thigh, just above but not touching the thigh bone. • Your (unstuffed) turkey is cooked when the thermometer reaches 170° F (77°C). • When cooked to perfection, the turkey meat may have a slight pink tinge. The temperature of the meat is the most important sign of doneness. CHILI LIME TURKEY WITH SALSA 1 cup (250 mL) fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced 2 tbsp (30 mL) red onion, minced 2 tbsp (30 mL) cilantro, chopped 2 tsp (10 mL) lime juice 1 tsp (5 mL) jalapeno pepper, minced salt and pepper to taste llb (500 g) turkey scallopini 1 tbsp (15 mL) lime juice 2 tsp (10 mL) chili powder 1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground pepper 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt fresh lime wedges 34 THE RURAL VOICE Chili Lime Turkey with Salsa In medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno, salt and pepper; set aside. Place turkey on plate; sprinkle on both sides with lime juice. In large plastic bag, combine chili powder, oregano, pepper and salt; shake well. Add turkey scallopini to bag, seal and toss to coat well. On lightly greased grill or barbecue, over medium-high heat, cook turkey for 3-4 minutes on each side. Serve with salsa and lime wedges. TURKEY TERIYAKI 4 6 -oz (4 175 -gm) turkey breast or turkey breast pieces Marinade: 1/2 cup (125 mL) soy sauce 1/4 cup 50 (mL) dry sherry or rice wine 2 tbsp (30 mL) honey 2 tsp (10 mL) fresh ginger, grated 1 tsp (5 mL) orange rind, grated 1/2 tsp (2 mL) sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, minced toasted sesame seeds (optional) Pound turkey pieces to 1 cm thickness; place in large plastic bag. In small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sherry, honey, ginger, orange rind, sesame oil and garlic. Pour marinade over turkey; refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. Remove from marinade and broil or grill 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until turkey is no longer pink inside. Slice thinly on diagonal and place over rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. BARBECUE TURKEY ON A STICK 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 cup (250 mL) chili sauce 1/4 cup (50 mL) ketchup 2 tbsp (25 mL) vinegar 2 tbsp (25 mL) brown sugar 1 tsp (5 mL) paprika 1 1/2 Ib (750 g) turkey breast, cut into strips salt and pepper to taste In large skillet, over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and saute until soft and golden. Stir in chili sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar and paprika. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes; pour into large baking dish. Thread turkey strips onto skewers. Barbecue turkey 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until no longer pink. Place in barbecue sauce and coat