Top Tips for Turkey Marinades this Summer

Whether you are backyard BBQing or elsewhere this summerthe secret weapon to leveling up your turkey game is with a delicious marinade. Not only does a good marinade bring moisture and juiciness, but can also intensify flavour. Intimidated by the marinadeChef Shahir Massoud has shared his best marinating tips to set you and your family up for a summer of savourTry them out for yourself with Chef Shahir’s “Double” Caesar Salad recipe featuring Butterball Easy Fresh Boneless Turkey Breast and this Spicy Caesar drink featuring Butterball Franks. 

Marinades are about Flavour   

Most people think that marinades are meant to tenderize (which they can to a small extent), but really, they’re about flavour! When it comes to keeping your turkey tender, it’s way more important to select a high-quality turkey like Butterball and manage your cook time and temperature. So, always have your thermometer ready!  

Make Extra 

If you’re going to the trouble of making a delicious marinade, make extra and set it aside, but be sure that the leftover marinade hasn’t touched any raw turkeyServe that extra batch as a dipping sauce or brush it on your meat at the end of the cooking process! 

Think Yogurt 

Most marinades have some form of acidity—lemon juice, vinegar, etc. So, yogurt is a great way to introduce tang and offers superior colour and char on the grill!   

Sugar, Sugar, Oh Honey Honey 

Some marinades call for brown sugar, orange juice, etc. But, be careful with these amounts, high sugar marinades can burn easily on the grill! Also, you can try honey as a healthier alternative, especially if you’re choosing a healthier protein like turkey. 

 Plan Ahead  

Marinating your turkey overnight is always best. But if you forget, try to get your turkey in your marinade at least a couple of hours before hitting the grill—the extra time makes a big difference in allowing the flavours to penetrate!  

 Inspired? Get started on your marinating journey by entering in our Instagram giveaway, and you could win the ultimate Butterball and Tabasco Prize Pack!  

Gourmet Burger Bar

Whether you’re a BBQ veteran or this your first time firing up the grill, a DIY burger bar is the perfect way to impress your family this summer. To help you get grilling, we teamed up with Chef Shahir Massoud to share his gourmet burger bar tips and recipes, using Butterball Turkey Burgers.

Start with the perfect patty – It all starts with the perfect patty. A lean source of protein, Butterball Turkey Burgers are the perfect canvas for your gourmet burger toppings. With less than half the fat of beef burgers, you’ll feel good knowing you made a healthy choice.

Serve a variety of tasty toppings – When it comes to the ultimate burger, balance is key. Serve a selection of toppings with different textures, flavours and colours. This will allow everyone to get creative with their flavour combinations. Here are some ingredient profiles and recipe ideas to keep in mind when shopping for your burger bar toppings:

    • Colourful toppings : roasted Roma tomatoes, avocado spread, grilled veggies
    • Crunchy toppings: pickled cucumbers, creamy coleslaw, crisp grilled kale
    • Sweet toppings: grilled chili lime pineapple
    • Savory toppings : a variety of cheeses
    • Spicy toppings: chipotle mayo

Don’t forget the buns – From bagels and bread to pretzel rolls and sesame seed buns, there are many bun options to choose from. Put together a bun basket with some lighter alternatives, such as thin pitas and lettuce wraps as well as some more indulgent options like ciabatta rolls and cheese buns. This will help take the customized burger experience to a whole other level. Check out these gourmet burger bar recipes for more inspiration.

Don’t forget to share your #ButterballEasy burger bar creations on Instagram and Facebook, tagging @Butterball_ca.

 

Gourmet Burger Bar Recipes


Roasted Roma Tomatoes

  • 8 Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Set your oven to 275 degrees. Coat the sliced tomatoes in the olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper. Place on a parchment lined sheet tray and slowly roast for 2 1/2 – 3 hours.

Grilled Veggies

  • 4 portobello mushrooms
  • 1 large red onion, sliced thick
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  •  Coat the veggies in the olive oil, then grill on medium high for 5-6 minutes, until softened. Remove and slice the mushrooms.
  • This simple grilling method can be used for any vegetables (red peppers, zucchini, etc.)

Grilled Chili Lime Pineapple

  • 1 pineapple, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1/4 tsp chili flake
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lime zested
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • Coat pineapple slices in chili, olive oil, lime zest, and parsley. Grill on medium high heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway to caramelize.

Pickled Cucumbers with Cilantro

  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • Coat cucumber slices in the vinegar, sugar, and cilantro. Set aside and allow to quick pickle for an hour. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Chipotle Mayo

  • 1 cup mayo
  • 2 tsp adobo, from chipotle can
  • Pinch of salt
  • Combine mayo and adobo in a bowl, with a pinch of salt. If you like extra heat, take an actual chipotle pepper, finely chop it, and add it in as well.

Truffle Mayo

  • 1 cup mayo
  • 1 Tbsp. truffle paste or 1 tsp truffle oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Combine in a bowl and set aside. Keep in fridge for up to one week.

Simple Avocado Spread

  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Pinch of salt
  • Combine in a bowl, right before serving.

Creamy Slaw

  • 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper, freshly cracked
  • Toss well in a bowl to combine, set aside until ready to serve.

Grilled Kale

  • 1 head of kale, stems removed
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Brush some olive oil on to the kale and place on the grill on high heat. Grill, turning when necessary, until the kale leaves are charred and crispy about 2 minutes. Set aside.

Cheeses

  • Gouda, cheddar, goat, feta, pecorino, and mozzarella.

Everything you need to know for BBQ Season

It’s summertime and the grilling easy! We’ve teamed up with Broil King to help bring you the ultimate BBQ experience this summer. From delicious recipes and fool-proof grilling tips to a sizzling summer giveaway, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of BBQ Season.

The Contest

Let’s start with the good stuff. We’re giving away $100 in Butterball gift certificates and a Regal Pellet 500 Smoker and Grill to one lucky Canadian. Click here to enter for your chance to win.

Fool-Proof Tips and Tricks

Grilling can be intimidating but we’ve got you covered. Follow these simple tips and tricks and you’ll be a grill master in no time.

  • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked and your guests are perfectly happy.
  • Oil up your grill to prevent turkey from sticking and make clean up easier.
  • Remember, season before sauce. Spices need heat to open and compliment the turkey while sauce needs to dry but not burn. Wait until the turkey is cooked before adding your sauce.
  • It’s not a race. The hotter the grill, the more likely you are to burn the exterior of the meat while leaving the inside uncooked. Start with the BBQ on high searing and then finish cooking the turkey on low. Alternately, you can use the indirect heat approach by keeping one side on high and the other side turned off, this way the BBQ will act as an oven.

Must-Try BBQ Recipes

Now that you’ve got the skills, you need the recipes. Here are some of our favourites.

BBQ Turkey Pizza                     Turkey Tangdi Kabab            Detroit-Style Turkey Coney Dog                    Peri-Peri Turkey Burger

BBQ turkey pizza with olive oil and onions on the side.

Grilled turkey drumsticks placed on griller.     3 Detroit style turkey coney dog.       Peri peri burger with red peppers on the side.

 

BBQ Season? That’s #ButterballEasy

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Kid-Friendly Modern High Tea

What better way to celebrate mom, than by making her feel like royalty with a modern high tea? Not only is this a thoughtful gift she’ll love it can also be a fun and educational activity for the whole family.

Grab your apron, wash your hands and follow these simple steps and recipes to make this Mother’s Day the best one yet.

Involve kids in cooking

Cooking together can be an educational bonding activity for young children. From colours and counting to spelling and reading – the kitchen is a classroom in disguise. As a chef and father, Butterball spokesperson, Shahir Massoud, recommends the following tips for making the most out of cooking with kids:

  • Chop up ingredients in advance to keep things safe
  • Encourage kids to support with simple tasks like mixing, measuring and counting units of ingredients
  • Ask children what colour certain ingredients are or what letter they begin with to support their development at a young age

Decorate the table

High tea is all about great food, good company and a beautiful table setting. Short on décor? Don’t worry! Here are some fun DIY projects you can do with children to help decorate:

  • Ultra-easy placemats: Ask kids to make placemats using paper, crayons and other craft items you have around the house. To make this Mother’s Day extra special, have them draw pictures of their favourite family memories.
  • DIY flower garland: Ask kids to cut flower shapes out of construction paper. Punch holes in the tops of each flower and string them together using ribbon or twine.
  • A gift that rocks: Have your kids collect rocks from the backyard and paint them with fun designs and beautiful messages. Once dry, put a designed rock on each placemat as a little gift that will help bring back memories for years to come.
  • Deserts as décor: Every high tea party needs some sweets. Have kids decorate cupcakes or sugar cookies to add some colour to your spread.
  • Stick out centrepiece: Send your kids on a scavenger hunt for loose sticks or small branches. Paint each branch the colour of your choice. Once dry, place the colourful branches in a vase for a fun and fresh centrepiece.

Modernize traditional sandwich recipes

As the quintessential food for high tea parties, finger sandwiches are a must-have! Spice up your favourite sandwich recipes with a modern twist by adding new seasonings, like tarragon and sea salt, and healthy proteins like Butterball Applewood Smoked Turkey Bacon. By incorporating contemporary ingredients, you’ll transform your high tea to a modern experience and expand your children’s pallets.

Check out these easy recipes for some inspiration!

Tarragon Egg Salad Sandwiches

  • 6 eggs, boiled and peeled
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1/2 bunch tarragon, finely diced
  • 1/2 bunch chives, finely sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely sliced
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. mayo
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices bread, crust cut off
  • 4 slices turkey bacon, grilled

 

  • Mix all ingredients, then spread onto crustless bread slices. Top with grilled turkey bacon, then another slice of bread. Cut into small triangles or squares and serve. 

Slow Roasted Tomato and Mozzarella

  • 10 Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella, sliced
  • 4 slices turkey bacon, grilled
  • 4 slices bread, crust removed

 

  • Preheat oven to 250 °F. Place tomatoes on a parchment-lined tray, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt. Place in oven for 2 – 2 1/2 hours until dehydrated and flavours are intensified. Allow to cool completely.  
  • Build sandwiches by placing some tomatoes on the bread, then topping with thin mozzarella slices. Finish with bacon and another piece of bread. Cut into triangles and serve.

Cucumber, Cream Cheese, and Sea Salt 

  • 1 cucumber, finely sliced
  • 1 ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 4 slices turkey bacon, grilled
  • 4 slices bread, crust removed

 

  •  Spread some cream cheese onto the bread. Top with cucumber slices and sea salt to taste. Add turkey bacon, then another piece of bread and cut into quarters.

There you have it, the ultimate modern high tea to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Enjoy!

 

Canada’s Food and Nutrition Expert shares 5 reasons to reach for turkey

by Abby Langer

It’s Nutrition Month and what better way to celebrate than talking turkeyTurkey is a great source of lean protein, which is fundamental for a healthy diet. Not only does protein help build and maintain muscle mass, but it also plays a big role in developing antibodies to fight viruses and bacteriaAs an added bonus, when we eat protein, our bodies release hormones that make us feel full for longer. 

As a Registered Dietician, I always recommend around 2025 grams of protein with each meal and, of course, turkey is one of my favourites. Here are five reasons why:  

 It’s a high-quality, lean protein. 

 Turkey breast is a high-quality protein, meaning that it can easily satisfy my 2025 grams recommendation in a reasonable portion size.  

 A 4oz serving of turkey has 32 grams protein and is low in saturated fat. A lot of people choose turkey breast because it has less fat and fewer calories. But, when you look at the numbers closely, there is little differenceFor every ounce, there’s just 1 more gram of fat and approximately 4 more calories in dark meat, compared to white. Dark meat also contains a higher concentration of nutrients, so if you prefer dark meat but have been avoiding it because you think it’s less healthy, you don’t have to do that anymore. Enjoy! 

It’s versatile. 

 I use turkey for any poultry recipe. Last Thanksgiving, I spatchcocked a whole Butterball turkey but I’ve also done turkey lettuce wraps, turkey burgersturkey apricot salad sandwiches, Mediterranean turkey breastturkey tacos and turkey BLT salad Sometimes, I just roast a Butterball Easy Fresh turkey breast for sandwich meat instead of buying meat at the deli—that way, I can control what goes in and on the meat.  

I use a variety of flavours to season turkey breast before cooking it, such as smoky mesquite BBQ sauce or grainy honey mustard. Both are delicious! 

You get a lot of bang for your buck. 

Roasting a whole turkey is easy (I promise!) and it’s a cost-effective way to feed your family.   

Once you roast the entire turkey, use the breast for sandwich meat, the dark meat for casseroles, and the carcass for soup. You can get a lot of meals out of one turkey, and many of them can be frozen for later use.  

 One of my favorite casseroles to make with turkey is turkey pot pie, which my kids adore!  

 It’s rich in nutrients. 

 Turkey is packed with zinc, selenium, B6, B12, niacin (B3) and iron, which are important for many body processesLet’s take a closer look at what these nutrients actually do 

 Zinc helps your immune system and metabolism function. It also helps with healing wounds and may improve your sense of taste and smell.  

 Selenium is a powerful mineral that plays a critical role in metabolism and thyroid functionAs a bonus, it helps protect your body from damage caused by oxidative stress.  

 B vitamins are the building blocks of a healthy body. They have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function and cell metabolism.  

 Iron is essential for the health and development of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Iron also helps the body develop some important hormones.  

 It contains tryptophan, which is the precursor to serotonin and melatonin.  

 Before we get ahead of ourselves, no, turkey dinner will not make you sleepy. But turkey does contain tryptophan—an essential amino acid that our bodies must get from food. Tryptophan from our diet is used to make serotonin and melatonin, which help stabilize mood and contribute to a good night’s sleep. In other words, turkey brings on the good vibes!  

 Next time you make a poultry recipe, reach for turkey! 

 Thankfully, there’s Butterball.

 

 

 

10 Questions with Chef Benjamin Leblanc-Beaudoin

The Canadian chef and inn proprietor on his go-to kitchen tool, most memorable meal, favourite hobbies and more.

Owner and chef of a multi-award-winning inn, Benjamin Leblanc-Beaudoin’s roots run deep in the hospitality world. His journey began more than 15-years ago when he took a job working at the front desk of a hotel. It was there that he fell in love with hospitality and cuisine, inspiring him to attend culinary school.

Trained in classic French cuisine, Benjamin has worked at Michelin star restaurants in Paris and Switzerland as well as famed restaurants in Ottawa and Toronto. He has taken his learnings from each of these restaurants to establish his successful inn, the Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast, in Comber, Ontario.

We chatted with Benjamin to learn all about life as a chef and officially introduce him as a Butterball spokesperson.

When did you first discover your love for cooking?

I discovered my love of cooking when I moved out of my parent’s home to go to school. Having grown up in a very healthy-eating household, I was eager to eat as much junk food as possible. After 3 weeks of it, I gave up and started cooking for myself. Years later I realized that my parents had it right all along.

What is the first dish you learned to master?  

The first dish I ever learned to master was Rice Pilaf. Long grain rice, vegetables, water and butter. I loved the smell of the onions cooking in butter and have been making it ever since.

What is your favourite ingredient to cook with (other than turkey) and why?

My favourite ingredient to cook with (other than turkey) is butter. There is no substitute for it. Butter adds flavour, texture, and creaminess to every dish. Cooking without butter for me is like cooking without passion.

What is one kitchen tool you can’t live without?

There are so many kitchen tools available and new ones keep being invented. The one kitchen tool I can’t live without is a wooden spoon. You can buy the most expensive one or the cheapest one, it always serves its purpose.

What is one of the most memorable meals you’ve ever had?

Food memories are huge for me. One of the most memorable meals I’ve had was flash-fried seafood, caught off the coast in Cinque Terre, Italy. There is no substitute for this freshness – I would go back to that same town just to eat this very thing.

What’s your favourite part of being an inn proprietor?

My favourite part of being an inn proprietor is the guest interactions I get to have daily. There are people from all over the world that stay with us. People always leave with a smile and that is an amazing feeling.

Sweet or savoury?

If the question is sweet or savoury, my answer is always savoury – 10 times out of 10.

What is your favourite meal to cook at home?

At home, I love cooking simple foods that nourish and can last more than one meal. My pet peeve is preparing a meal for 4 hours, just to eat it in 15 minutes. Simple is best. For that reason, I love making pizza and to use up leftovers to clean out the fridge on it.

If you didn’t become a chef, which profession would you have chosen?

If I didn’t become a chef, I would still be working in the travel and tourism industry. I loved my first front desk job and I would still do it today. As a matter of fact, I actually do (to a certain degree at the B&B).

What is your favourite thing to do outside of the kitchen?

My favourite thing to do outside of the kitchen is travel with my family. Whether it’s a day trip or an actual vacation, I love travelling and exploring. My travels always revolve around food, markets and new experiences to stay inspired. Food is my life and my passion.

5 Tips for Hosting a Virtual Easter Dinner

Easter might be a little different this year, but it doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate (virtually) with family and friends! We’re serving up 5 tips and tricks to help you host the ultimate ‘virtual’ Easter dinner.

1) Send virtual invitations – Decide on a date and time for your celebration and send a virtual invitation. There are a lot of great websites with easy-to-use invitation templates that still look great – your friends and family will think you had them professionally designed!

Don’t forget to include the details for your video chat. Whether you’re using an online application or simply video chatting on your phone, it is important to make sure your friends and family can easily join the celebration.

2) Plan the menu – Since you’ll be cooking for a smaller group, it’s a good idea to cook items that make for easy leftovers. Potatoes, carrots, and stuffing are all sides that heat up well in the microwave.

When it comes to the main event, why not opt for a turkey roast? They go directly from the freezer to the oven, to the table – no thawing required. Now that’s easy!

3) Don’t forget to decorate – Now’s the time to set the table with linens, glassware, napkins and any festive décor you may have. Take a look around your house for leftover Easter decorations from a previous year or artificial flowers that would be perfect for this occasion. Adding these small details will make your celebration feel special.

4) Create a playlist – We all know the difference music can make at a party, even a virtual one! Add ambience to your Easter dinner with a curated playlist of your choice. Light and upbeat background music is a great way to set the mood and keep the party going while everyone is eating. Just be sure to keep an ear out on the volume throughout the celebration and adjust if it is impacting the quality of your call!

5) Take advantage of leftovers – One of the best parts about turkey is the leftovers! Use your leftover turkey to prepare quick, delicious and nutritious meals for the week ahead. From breakfast and protein-packed snacks to quick and easy lunch and dinners – there are hundreds of versatile ways to create meals for any occasion using those turkey leftovers. Check out our library of recipes to get inspired!

Happy virtual Easter!
-Butterball

5 Tips for Cooking with Kids

Cooking together can be both fun and educational for young children. Not only does it encourage family bonding, but it can also help with the development of math and reading skills. As a chef and father, Butterball spokesperson, Shahir Massoud, recommends the following tips for making the most out of cooking with kids:

  1. Make it educational – From colours and counting to spelling and reading, the kitchen is a classroom in disguise. Get kids to help with simple tasks like mixing, measuring and counting units of ingredients. This is a fun and educational way to involve them and helps develop an increased sense of ownership.
  2. Get creative with serving – Show kids that food prep can be fun! Bring out their inner artist and allow them to create fun shapes, patterns or colour groups with their food.
  3. Put a healthy twist on kid-approved recipes – Whether it’s cheesy pizza or loaded hot dogs, most kids have a list of approved recipes. Try swapping out some of the proteins in these recipes with a healthier option, like Butterball turkey. From turkey pepperoni and franks to Easy Fresh cuts and roasts, Butterball has a product suitable for almost every meal.
  4. Allow personalized eating – Show kids that eating can be customizable and allow them to build their own plate. Things like burgers, hotdogs, pizza and tacos are all meals that can be personalized. Who knows, they may even get adventurous enough to try new combinations!
  5. Start a garden – Gardening is a great way to encourage healthy eating, get outside and teach important skills like responsibility and patience. Start with an easy and reliable crop, such as peas, and grow your garden from there.

Looking for some cooking inspiration? Be sure to check out our recipe page for hundreds of delicious recipe ideas.

3 Unique Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in 2020

Thanksgiving, like many things, will look a little different in 2020. While you may not be squeezing nieces and nephews around your dining room table, there’s still fun (and turkey) to be had.
Now’s the perfect time to create new traditions and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t know where to start? Check out these unique ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2020.

Get outside
Embrace all the great outdoors has to offer this Thanksgiving and dine al fresco. Make sure to plan for the cooler weather and keep your food warm. When your turkey comes out the oven, cover it with tinfoil and towels while you make your sides. This will help your turkey stay warm and allow the juices to redistribute. It’s a win-win! You could also cook your turkey the day before and make a delicious turkey soup to help you keep cozy outdoors!
Want to keep the whole deal outside? Try this BBQ Spatchcock Turkey recipe.

Have a virtual cook-along

One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is quality time spent preparing food with loved ones. While you may not be able to do this in person, you can still do it virtually! Organize a virtual Thanksgiving cook-along with your friends and family. Have everyone share their favourite recipe and pick-up their ingredients ahead of time. Then sit back and virtually catch-up with your friends and family while your turkey cooks!
Don’t forget that the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is just a phone call away if you have any turkey-related questions.

Prepare and deliver food ahead of time
Show your friends and family a little Thanksgiving love with a surprise food delivery. While you may not be able to celebrate together, you can still show you’re thankful for loved ones by dropping off food they can enjoy on Thanksgiving. Butterball Chef, Shahir Massoud, recommends delivering dishes that taste better the longer they rest, such as a harvest kale salad with shredded turkey. Soup, pasta, turkey casseroles and Shepard’s pie are all also delicious leftover turkey dishes to deliver.
Check out the Butterball Turkey Calculator to determine what size of turkey you need to feed all of your delivery recipients.
For more tips, tricks and recipe ideas, take a look around Butterball.ca.