So you’ve decided last minute that you’d like to cook Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t fret, the following recipe and suggestions should be all you need to whip together a last minute meal with minimum hassle and maximum flavor. Don’t worry, we’ve made it as simple as possible, even a novice can look like a star with this easy to prepare meal. In fact, if you share it with someone else, we’re certain you’ll also achieve maximum kudos for your culinary skills.

Parmesan Turkey Scallopini

Prep Time: 5 min / Cook Time: 25 min / Serves: 2

Ingredients

1/4 C + 2 T Olive Oil (optional: Garlic Infused)
8-12 ounces turkey breast cutlets (thinly sliced)
2 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
1 Onion (small)
1 Small Carrot (diced)
1 Celery Stalk (peeled and diced)
Flour (for dredging)
1 Bay Leaf
1 T Butter
1/4 C Chicken Broth
1/2 C White Wine
Salt & Pepper (to taste)


Directions

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet. Sprinkle the turkey breast cutlets with salt and pepper and then roll in the dredging flour until well coated.

Once the oil in the pan has heated, add and cook the turkey breast cutlets, minced garlic, diced onion, carrot and celery. Cook on a medium heat until the cutlets are a light golden brown on both sides.

Once the cutlets are golden brown, remove them from the pan and set aside either covered or in a warmer, but reserving the liquid in the skillet.

To the liquid in the skillet - add butter, bay leaf, grated parmesan, chicken broth and the white wine. Cook for a few minutes to reduce (approximately 5 minutes). Taste for salt and pepper.

Strain the reduction and either serve on the side or pour over turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing.


Starter and Meal Completion Suggestions

To start the meal we recommend that you prepare a small simple salad. Consider spinach with crumbled bacon, roasted red peppers, shavings of Grana Padana and a drizzle of olive oil. Alternatively, you can simply cut a head of bib lettuce in four, serving a quarter portion per person - accompanied by freshly sliced tomatoes, and a light dressing.

As for libations, you can go non-alcoholic with a favorite sparkling or spring water. If you prefer wine, both red and white can be used for this meal from start to finish.

Side Dishes

• Pasta: Non-conformists need not worry, spaghetti will work quite well with this recipe.

• Mashed Potatoes: Which can easily become decadent by whipping in some pureed garlic and or grated cheese.

• Broccoli or Green Beans: Sauteed with garlic, parmesan cheese and olive oil.

• Cranberries: Which you can jazz up by blending in 1 part raspberry preserves to 3 parts cranberries.

• Stuffing Which you can create on the stove in pinch by purchasing a bag of premium seasoned stuffing from Arnold or Pepperidge Farms. Your stuffing will take on a different life if you consider mixing in either sausage and bacon bits or chopped oysters and onions.

• Mushrooms: Select a mixture of two or three varieties; sauté with butter, simply season with salt and pepper.

Dessert Suggestions

To save time and hassle, purchase either pumpkin or apple pie. To jazz it up a little - serve it ala mode with cranberry ice cream (all you have to do is purchase a premium vanilla ice cream and blend in 1/3 cranberry with 2/3 ice cream - whip well and either let rest in the freezer to maintain ice cold - or make tableside and have it as soft as a gelato.


Bonus

Let us know how your meal turns out and we’ll provide you with recipes for leftovers and a few holiday goodies. Send us a photo of your meal and we’ll send you a few coupons to help ease the pain of holiday shopping.

Happy Thanksgiving & Buon Appetito!