Jamie says: I felt like having a mini Thanksgiving in July. This is significant for a couple or reasons: 1) I don’t think I’ve EVER made turkey before (unless you count preparing turkey deli meat in a sandwich); 2) For some reason, we didn’t eat much turkey at home, and when we did, it wasn’t a favorite; 3) Buying and cooking the turkey was an adventure; 4) I am not a fan of mashed potatoes unless they are Grandma’s. I made two variations because Kathryn voted for the typical mashed potatoes with “butter” and I thought it would be interesting to try them with olive oil. Here’s my first attempt at a mini Thanksgiving (July is good practice):
Turkey Tenderloin
- 3/4 lb Publix boneless turkey tenderloins, premium
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp Northwoods Seasoning
Directions:
- Butterfly cut turkey tenderloin. Add olive oil, salt, peppers, and Northwoods Seasoning to both sides.
- Cook on baking sheet in pre-heated oven according to directions on package ~ 350 degrees Farenheit for 30 minutes.
- Reserve the drippings for gravy for the smashed potatoes. Serves: 2. Enjoy!
Smashed Potatoes with Olive Oil
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb Ruby Gold potatoes (small red potatoes)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
Directions:
- Wash potatoes and put in a veggie steamer over boiling water until slightly soft (~20 minutes). Drop into boiling water for final cooking (~2 minutes).
- Drain potatoes. With a fork, mash potatoes and add in olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serves: 2. Enjoy!
Smashed Potatoes with “Butter”
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lbs Ruby Gold potatoes (small red potatoes)
- 2 Tbsp Smart Balance
- 2 Tbsp skim milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Directions:
- Wash potatoes and put in a veggie steamer over boiling water until slightly soft (~20 minutes). Drop into boiling water for final cooking (~2 minutes).
- Drain potatoes. With a fork, mash potatoes and add in Smart Balance, milk, salt, and pepper. Top with turkey gravy. Serves: 2. Enjoy!
Strawberries with Citrus Peel
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Publix frozen strawberries
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- Citrus peel (grapefruit or orange), washed
Directions:
- Cook strawberries, sugar, water, and citrus peel in a pot on high, stirring, until thickened. Serves: 10. Enjoy!
The turkey was surprisingly good and moist. Both of the smashed potatoes were a hit, but I do have to say, Kathryn’s recommendation (with the Smart Balance) was better because the gravy went well with them.
- Nutrition note: Turkey is a good source of lean protein.