5 Unusual But Standing Ovation-Worthy Turkey Recipes
posted on
November 19, 2019
Need to break away from the same'ole same 'ole turkey recipe for Thanksgiving dinner? We don't blame you. Even though you've probably made the traditional turkey recipe every year and people are satisfied, it wouldn't be a terrible idea to think outside the box and cook up a Thanksgiving dinner that will not only please... but will the be the ONE recipe the whole family will be begging for more next year!
First things first... get a turkey. A pasture-raised turkey simply tastes better. If you are going to WOW a crowd, well, it better be tasty without the need of a whole lot of "cover-up" spices to make it palatable. Remember, most pasture-raised turkeys from small farms are not pumped full of water or any type of salt solution, which most conventional birds often are; to increase moisture. And, they're healthier.
A study at the University of Perugia showed that chickens raised out of doors were higher in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, and a 2013 study by the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association showed that pasture-raised chickens were also higher in vitamins D3 and E. Yes, we're talking turkey... that's why it’s also important to focus on what’s wonderfully missing from pasture-raised turkey: antibiotics.
Studies have shown that up to 70 percent of all antimicrobials are fed to farm animals in the U.S. in a constant, low-dose feeding to ward off diseases that tend to arise from animals being kept in such close, unclean quarters. This can lead to antibiotic resistance, amongst other issues.
This, my cooking friends, isn’t a problem with pasture-raised turkey. Now...let's start cooking!
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
It's. Wrapped. In. Bacon. 'Nuf Said
"Wrapping a turkey in bacon eliminates any brining, salting, or basting to make a flavorful turkey and creates a stunning, crispy “skin” — a welcome contrast to the tender turkey meat. And it’s much easier than it looks."
YES, please!!
If your crowd tends to push away the turkey but gobble up the stuffing... it's time to change it up on how you traditionally prepare your Thanksgiving dinner. The Bacon-Wrapped turkey is sure to be crowd pleaser and it's relatively easy to prepare. Once you have your pastured turkey, grab some smoked bacon and let the magic begin!
Jamaican Jerk Roast Turkey
Take it up a notch times 50! Give your bird a bit of a spice-lovin' run down, Jerk-style. You'll create a fragrant, crispy, and eye-rollin-pleasure response with each tender bite. The great thing about this non-traditional Thanksgiving turkey recipe is that you can customize the spices to your liking. Tone down or turn up the spice and enjoy! We cannot even imagine how delicious the left-overs will be once the flavors have time to settle even further! Think: JERK turkey tacos, salads, sandwiches, & snacking bits!
Grilled Beer Turkey
Okay, this is more for looks than taste, HOWEVER, it doesn't mean you can't make this a wonderful meal. The author uses a standard barbecue flavor, starting with a sweet apple juice and molasses brine, which was paired with a simple barbecue rub. We don't see why you cannot do something similar and take some amazing share-worthy photos of your non-traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal!
Butterflied Turkey With Apple-Cranberry Glaze
Have you ever thought to butterfly your bird? This just looks amazing and can you imagine the aromas that will create mouth-watering people?? They'll be waiting all day (though it won't take that long) for a new and different take on the Thanksgiving meal.
Massaman-Curry Turkey Osso Buco
Your Thanksgiving turkey doesn't necessarily have to look like a turkey! This is certainly a non-traditional way to prepare your turkey and does take an extra step to get the right cuts (or leave them whole), but in the end... we put it on our list as a non-traditional turkey dinner winner bay far!
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Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions are, what matters is you fill your bellies, give LOTS blessings and thankfulness to one another, and love. Love on your family, the food, your family some more, and love every moment regardless if people are frustrating you! Hahaha, we may not all get along with certain family members, but that's not a prerequisite for loving them.
