Cooking with Turkey and a Giveaway!

June was National Turkey Lover’s Month, but turkey cooking doesn’t have to be limited to June and around the holidays! Check out these tips for cooking turkey, for more than just at Thanksgiving.

Turkey Breast

Image from National Turkey Federation.

Are you a fan of white meat, but are looking for a change from chicken? Try a turkey breast instead. Turkey breasts are sold as whole breasts, cutlets, or tenderloins. The whole breast usually weighs between 4-9 pounds, and makes a great roast.

Turkey Tenderloins

Image from National Turkey Federation.

Turkey tenderloins are my personal favorite part of the turkey breast. This is all-white meat, and is the most tender part of the inside of the turkey breast. Use these the way you would use chicken breasts or a pork tenderloin. Butterfly them for faster cooking, or cut them into medallions (before or after cooking).

Turkey Cutlets

Image from National Turkey Federation.

Turkey cutlets are similar to boneless, skinless, chicken breast strips. This is the whole turkey breast (without the tenderloin) cut into slices. Use these in any recipe where you would use normally use chicken breasts.

Ground Turkey

Image from National Turkey Federation.

Ground turkey is a high-protein, lower-fat option for any ground meat. Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef or ground pork in any recipe. You can find ground turkey in your grocery store as ground meat or as turkey burger patties.

Turkey Legs

Image from National Turkey Federation.

Looking for something a little different? Try a turkey leg instead of chicken drumsticks! This dark meat can be a great meal substitution when you are just looking for something a little different.

Whole Turkey

And who could forget the turkey staple, the whole turkey. Whether you roast it, fry it, or grill it; baste it or brine it, turkey is always a hit! Make sure you follow recommendations to thaw a frozen turkey (24 hours to thaw 4 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator) and to cook it completely (internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the breast meat and 175 degrees F in the thigh meat).

Be sure to check out these other Frequently Asked Questions from the National Turkey Federation. Also check out all the amazing turkey recipes available on the National Turkey Federation website!

The Giveaway

Are you inspired, but need a little help with recipes? It’s your lucky day! I have two copies of the Iowa Turkey Federation’s “Cooking With Turkey” cookbook to give away!

Image from Iowa Turkey Federation.

This cookbook has over 150 turkey recipes, including a whole section on different methods to cook a whole turkey and a step-by-step carving guide with photographs! The whole cookbook is peppered with turkey facts and cooking tips.

Enter the giveaway by leaving a comment below. The giveaway will close on Friday, July 12 at midnight Central Time. Two winners will be chosen randomly and notified by email on Saturday, July 13.

Winners must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize. Shipping address must be within the continental US.

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Chelsea N. and Elizabeth Burns-Thompson! You are the winners of the “Cooking with Turkey” Cookbook from the Iowa Turkey Federation! Check your email to see how to claim your prize.

{The Iowa Turkey Federation did provide me with copies of the cookbook, “Cooking with Turkey” to give away. All thoughts and opinions are my own.}