Turkey Gumbo

Like everyone else right after Thanksgiving, you are looking for something to do with all of that turkey you have leftover!  This gumbo is very filling and just perfect for a cold winter's night!  It has a little bit of a kick to it!  I like to throw in some fresh parsley right at the end for the bright color and fresh revitalizing flavor.

1 cup of flour

1/2 cup of canola oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

3 whole carrots peeled, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 longneck bottle of Corona beer

5 cups of chicken broth

1 6 oz can of tomato paste

1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of celery seed

1/4 teaspoon of thyme

3 cups of cooked turkey, cut into 1 inch chunks

2 cups of cooked brown rice

1/4 cup of flat leaf parsley

1.  In a large pot, over medium heat, add the flour and oil.  Keep stirring slowly for about 20 minutes until you make a dark brown roux.  

2.  Now add the onions, peppers and carrots and stir for about 2 minutes.  Now add the garlic and beer and cook for another 3 minutes.  Mixture will start to become very thick at this point.  Add in the stock, tomato paste, seasonings and stir until the veggies and roux are combined.  

3.  Cook for about 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.  Add in the cooked turkey and cook for about another hour.  

4.  Meanwhile prepare the rice according to the package instructions. 

4.  Add the parsley to the gumbo and stir.  Serve in bowls with a scoop of rice in it.  

Turkey Panini with a Spinach Artichoke Spread Recipe

Everyone loves those fancy paninis at cafe's but not so much when it comes to price.  Here is my version of a popular favorite- a Turkey Panini with a Spinach Artichoke Spread.  Imagine a creamy, cheesy, artichoke spread with a slight kick, between two warm pieces of crispy soft bread.  I love adding the spinach, not only for the extra nutrients, but it looks so beautiful layered on top of the bright red tomatoes.  Also, with Thanksgiving coming up, here is a great idea what to do with all those leftovers!

1/4 cup of Hellman's mayonnaise

1/4 cup of ricotta cheese

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

1/4 cup of fresh baby spinach

1/2 cup of artichoke hearts

Few Dashes of hot sauce

8 ounces of turkey, sliced

1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

4-6 tomato slices

1 loaf of focaccia bread

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Salt and Ground Pepper

1.  Combine the mayo, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts and hot sauce in a food processor and combine until the ingredients turn into a spread.  

2.  Preheat your panini maker, or you can use a frying pan and then use another frying pan to push down on the sandwiches to "flatten"  it.  

3.  Slice the focaccia bread in half.  Spread the cheesy spinach-artichoke mixture on both sides of the bread.  Layer the turkey and then add the tomato slices.  Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top of the tomatoes and desired amount of salt and ground pepper.   Top with the other half of bread. 

4.  Brush both sides of the bread with the oil and grill until golden brown.  Slice into individual sandwiches and enjoy!

Jalapeno Turkey Burgers Recipe

If you are looking for a burger with a bite, you can stop searching.  Not only is this burger packed with flavor, but it's made with ground turkey so it's healthier for you.  Next time I think I'll put a few slices of cooked turkey bacon on top!

1 pound of ground turkey

2 clove of garlic, minced

2 jalapenos, seeded, cleaned and minced

1 tablespoon lime seasoning mix (I used Mrs.Dash)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon cumin

2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup of cheddar cheese shredded

A few dashes of hot sauce

4 Hamburger buns

Sliced Tomato and Lettuce (Optional)

1.  Preheat a grill.  Meanwhile, add all the ingredients together and then Mix until everything is well combined.  Divide mixture into four equal proportions and form into patties.  Cook for about 5 minutes on each side and then serve with buns, sliced tomatoes and lettuce.