talking turkey

have you seen the size of turkey legs in the supermarket? they're so huge that i usually only use them to make stock and soup..but this week i found some that were smaller and i bought them with a view to mincing the meat to make turkey burgers..i avoid buying prepackaged ready minced turkey and sliced breast because i've only ever found these products with added flavour enhancers and preservatives..

preparing turkey legs for mincing is not for the faint hearted because it took me ages to remove all the tendons, sinews and pointy bones..but it was worth it because the minced meat was so pure looking (bit like the mincee!)

turkey burgers

tea with hazel

ingredients

750 gms minced turkey

1/2 medium onion minced

2-3 slices minced bacon (depending on size of bacon rasher)

1/4-1/2 cup chopped parsley

1/4 cup chopped sage

1/2 -1 teaspoon (tsp) chilli flakes

2 spring onions cut fine

2 eggs beaten

1/4 cup bread crumbs

2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 tsp or more finely grated orange rind

2 tsp pepper

1 tsp salt (or according to preference)

thin bacon rashers extra

cranberry and onion jam

small sage leaves

olive oil for frying

method

~mix all ingredients except for the last four

~shape into burgers according to preferred size and shape

~cook in oil until browned on each side

~place burgers on a lined baking tray and drape each one with a half slice of bacon

~top the bacon with 1/2 tsp of cranberry and onion jam and a sage leaf

~grill for 5 minutes or until bacon is slightly crisped and the jam is bubbling

serving

i served my burgers with extra cranberry and onion jam,  a cauliflower puree with added lemon juice and grated cheddar and a green salad with edible flowers..i also had a couple in a roll the next day for lunch with the jam and salad..

the flowers in the salad are home grown
bellis perennis petals,  carnation petals, marigold petals and whole violets

have a safe and happy weekend..x