turkey

Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf

I don’t know about you but my family and I love classic comfort foods but when I became gluten free almost a year ago I thought that would mean I would have to give up many of my favorite foods.  I slowly learned that I didn’t have to and started to recreate many of my favorite comfort foods. Meatloaf was high up on that list, well, Turkey Meatloaf was since we do not usually eat beef. It took some trail and error but I was able to create a Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf and all was a little bit better in my world.

Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf | Country Girl Gourmet

Meatloaf is one of those foods that you either love or hate. I like to think that those that hate it just have not had good meatloaf. Too many bad experiences with overcooked meatloafs, maybe it is  a dislike of onion soup mix or maybe they just have texture issues. Who knows, maybe it is all in the name? Most foods that end with loaf are not my favorites unless they are type of bread. I’m just not a huge fan of congealed salads.  All of the meatloaf haters out there remind me of A Christmas Story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNNpydUfduo

Whatever it may be some people outgrow their dislike or learn it wasn’t a dislike but a bad recipe. They welcome meatloaf to the world of comfort food. That is where meatloaf lives for me. I just needed to figure out the best way to make it gluten free since there is some sort of gluten/bread element in meatloaf. I grew up with my mom making meatloaf with crushed saltines and I always used bread crumbs. Then there are others that used bread soaked in milk. Gluten free bread is expensive so I went with oatmeal, yes oatmeal. Oatmeal is a bit more economical than using gluten free bread and is a great binder. With the oatmeal it mixes up beautifully and then you are left to top it your favorite way (ketchup or tomato sauce, bbq sauce or even wrapped in bacon!) and bake for about an hour and voila you have an awesome meatloaf. Just add some mashed potatoes and a veggie like corn or green beans and you have a classic comfort food dish.

Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf | Country Girl Gourmet

So what do you think? Ready to give this simple gluten free turkey meatloaf a try?

 

 

Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf
 
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: American
 
Meatloaf made without any of the usual gluten suspects!
Ingredients
  • 2lbs Ground Turkey
  • 1 cup Gluten Free Quick Oats
  • 1 Egg
  • 1tsp Onion Powder
  • 2-4 Cloves Garlic, minced (equal to a rounded teaspoon)
  • 1TB Parsley
  • ½tsp Ground Thyme
  • Salt and and Fresh Ground Pepper to taste
  • Optional- Your favorite meatloaf topping, ketchup, BBQ Sauce, Bacon etc.
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In large bowl combine ground turkey,egg,oats,parsley,onion powder, ground thyme and garlic and mix well.
  3. Form into a loaf and place into a loaf pan that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray. If desired top your meatloaf with your favorite meatloaf toppings
  4. Cover and bake for 50-60minutes.

My Thanksgiving Menu

What are you having for Thanksgiving Dinner? Still looking for meal inspiration? Look no further! Here is what we are having in our home with some helpful tips sprinkled in! Just excuse the bad pictures, they are a lesson to me to take better pictures this year!

Turkey-licious

 This year we will be having a traditional roast turkey instead of fried turkey.
My husband is the family turkey fryer…My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmetand the US Army has decided he must work this Thanksgiving. So sadly no fried turkey here. Boo!

I start my turkey off with a turkey “bath” or brine. Brining helps allow for a super juicy and flavorful turkey!

I like Alton Brown’s explanation… I’m a’ll about the science and cooking.

Just note that he does not include a recipe. But I have one right HERE.

For the turkey I rub 2 sticks of margarine and generously sprinkle with poultry seasoning.
I also stuff the cavity and add aromatics like onion, celery and fresh sprigs of thyme. Cover with foil and roast based on size.

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

As I mention I stuff my bird. Yes, I know this is controversial. I also make a pan of stuffing.

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl GourmetI make Bread and Celery Stuffing. This is the same stuffing I ate growing up and I can remember my dad making. I have converted my husband who grew up on the stuff from a box.

You can use any type of bread, store-bought, homemade, white or whole wheat. I do love to load this up with fresh thyme leaves.

The Side Dishes!

Mashed Potatoes are up next on the menu!

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet
While I do have a basic recipe I have never taken the time to write it up. It is simple… red potatoes, garlic, butter, sour cream and season salt. I eyeball it and mash them by hand.
Mashed Potatoes can be problematic for some so Allrecipes.com has made some videos with helpful how to save your spuds and be a Thanksgiving Hero tips.

How to fix Lumpy Mashed Potatoes

How to fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes

Corn Casserole is another side my family loves and I make every year.The cheese on top really puts this dish over the top!

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

Then there are the Sweet Potatoes

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

I add oatmeal to the topping and marshmallows, just because I can.

 Mac and Cheese will be part of the line up.
I use a recipe using a béchamel sauce/white sauce and a variety of cheeses and a few spices and baked.

We will have homemade Creamed Corn. I made it for the first time last year and it was a huge hit!

Finally I will also be making some steamed green beens.

My Mom will also be bringing Baked Butter Beans , Collard Greens and Marshmallow Salad.

All of the little extras that round out the meal!

Do you like gravy? Have you perfected the perfect mashed potato and gravy volcano? Here is a collection from Allrecipes.com some great gravy recipes. I make a classic simple gravy from the pan drippings. Although I have to say the make ahead gravy recipes look tempting!

Do you have problems making gravy and skip it and buy the jar stuff? Never fear Allrecipes can make you a gravy making guru! Gravy too thin or does it turn out lumpy? Check out these helpful hints-

How to fix Thin Gravy

How to fix Lumpy Gravy

I will also be making Cranberry Sauce. Say so long to the stuff in the can. Once you try this there will be no going back.

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

Deviled Eggs will be part of our Thanksgiving day feast.

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

Rolls and biscuits will be part of the day as well. The biscuit recipe I use can be found HERE.

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

To round out the extras we will also have some relish trays.

Give Me Dessert!

Our family keeps our desserts pretty classic.

Pumpkin Pie will be topping our dessert list.

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

Apple Pie will be making an appearance as well.

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl GourmetCherry too!

My Thanksgiving Menu 2013 | Country Girl Gourmet

I follow this recipe for my pie crust but I use half shortening/half butter and add sugar. About a tablespoon for a double crust recipe. I also cover the edges of my pie crust to help keep them from getting too dark.

If your crust gets too dark never fear as Allrecipe’s has some helpful tips of how to save your pies!

How to fix Burnt Pie Crust

I hope I was able to help you with some Thanksgiving menu inspiration! Now, what is on your menu?

Grilled Turkey Cuban Sandwiches and Turkey Tuesday!

Have you joined the turketarian movement yet? If not you should! Turkey is great everyday and not just on Turkey Tuesday.
While exploring Butterball recipes on Allrecipes.com I discovered another hit with my family, Grilled Turkey Cuban Sandwiches.

Grilled Turkey Cuban Sandwiches

Grilled Turkey Cuban Sandwiches

from Allrecipes.com
Non-stick cooking spray

1(3 pound) Butterball® Boneless Breast of Turkey Roast, thawed

2 cloves garlic, peeled, sliced

1 tablespoon canola oil

1tablespoon ground cumin

2teaspoons salt

1teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

2loaves Cuban, French or Italian bread (15 inches long)

1/4 cup honey mustard

1/2 pound smoked ham

1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese

12 sandwich-style dill pickle slices

  1. Spray cold grate of outdoor gas grill with cooking spray. Prepare grill for medium indirect heat.
  2. Remove turkey from package. Dry with paper towels. Discard gravy packet or refrigerate for another use (within 2 – 3 days). Lift string netting and shift position on roast for easier removal after cooking. Cut small slits, at least 1 inch apart, over entire surface of turkey. Insert 1 garlic slice into each slit. Brush turkey with oil.
  3. Combine cumin, salt and pepper. Sprinkle over turkey.
  4. Place turkey on grill grate over drip pan. Cover grill with lid. Grill 1 1/4 to 1-3/4 hours, or until meat thermometer reaches 170 degrees F when inserted into center of roast. Remove from grill. Let stand 10 minutes.
  5. Remove string netting. Cut half of the turkey into six 1/8-inch-thick slices. Set aside. Refrigerate unsliced turkey for another use.
  6. Cut each bread loaf lengthwise in half. Then, cut each into 3 pieces (for 6 sandwiches). Spread the bottom half of each section with 2 teaspoons mustard. Top with the sliced turkey, ham, cheese and pickles. Cover with tops of bread loaves. Press sandwiches with hands to flatten. Tightly wrap individually in aluminum foil.
  7. Place wrapped sandwiches on grill grate. Top each with heavy iron skillet or brick. Grill 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
  8. Serve sandwiches warm, wrapped in aluminum foil.

Cranberry Almond Pasta Salad

This is a sweet and tangy pasta salad filled with dried cranberries and almonds.

Cranberry Almond Pasta Salad

1 12oz box of bow tie pasta
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup dried cranberries (craisens)
1/2 cup sliced almonds
8oz diced turkey or ham
1/2 cup Sugar
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Cook pasta per box instructions(9-12 minutes) when done drain and rinse with cold water.  While pasta is cooking combine mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar in a bowl.  Once cooled pasta has been drained add to large bowl with diced turkey or ham,celery, dried cranberries,almonds and dressing.  Mix well until everything is well coated.  Serve as is or refrigerate.

Cranberry Almond Pasta Salad |Country Girl Gourmet