Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Turkey Blue Plate Special -- 09/14/07

Turkey Blue Plate Special

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless, turkey breasts, or 2 slices about an inch thick of deli-style turkey meat
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (about a palmful) poultry seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus extra for drizzling
  • 6 slices of whole-grain bread from a bakery loaf, each about an inch thick
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened and divided
  • 2 apples (whatever is in season), cored and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 ribs celery, roughly chopped
  • 1 fresh bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups chicken stock or turkey stock, divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400ºF if using raw turkey breasts.

Step

If using raw turkey breasts, place them on a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning and a drizzle of EVOO. Roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until a thermometer placed in the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F. Loosely cover with foil to keep warm and reserve.

Step

While the turkey is roasting, make the stuffing: Toast the bread slices then spread with the softened butter, about 1/2 tablespoon per slice. Chop into one-inch cubes and reserve.

Step

Place a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon each of EVOO and butter. Add the chopped apple, onion, celery, and bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cubed bread and stir to combine. Chop the turkey meat and add to the stuffing. Moisten the stuffing with about 1/2 cup chicken stock, let the stuffing heat through and turn heat to low to keep warm.

Step

To make the gravy, preheat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute. While whisking, add the apple cider along with 1 1/4 cups of stock. Season with salt and pepper. Cook gravy, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Divide the turkey/stuffing mixture among four plates and spoon the gravy over each. Garnish each plate with the chopped parsley.