Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie and Cran-applesauce Sundaes
Thanksgiving for four, for any day of the year!
At Yum-o!, we believe in all things in moderation. Special treats like the Cran-applesauce Sundaes included in this recipe are to be eaten once in a while and only after you’ve been a good eater the rest of the time. That’s why it’s called a treat!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2 packages ground turkey (a little over 2 pounds) or chopped leftover turkey
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion
- 2 large carrots, peeled
- 4-6 ribs celery from the heart, chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups turkey or chicken stock
- A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 box frozen peas (10 ounces)
- 1/3 ripe banana (4-5 slices)
- A few dashes of hot sauce
- 2 cups sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
For the sundaes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-natural applesauce
- 1/2 cup good quality whole berry cranberry sauce, such as Ocean Spray brand, in tubs on the canned fruit aisle at the grocery store
- 2 pinches cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 pints French vanilla reduced fat ice cream
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped, toasted pecans, available on the baking aisle at the grocery store
Directions
- Pre-heat the oven to 425°F.
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In an ovensafe deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons EVOO over high heat. Add the meat and break it up with a wooden spoon, then season with the salt and pepper and poultry seasoning.
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Place the sweet potatoes in a pot and cover them with water. Cover the pot, bring to a boil, salt them and cook for 15 minutes, until tender.
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Grate the onion and carrots into the turkey. Add the celery and stir, then cook for 5 minutes.
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While the vegetables are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add the flour to the melted butter, whisk for 1 minute, then whisk in the stock and season with salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Thicken the sauce for a few minutes.
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Stir the peas and the sauce into the meat and turn the heat off.
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Drain the potatoes and return the pot to heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and melt over medium heat. Peel and slice the banana and add the potatoes to the pot. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper and a few dashes of hot sauce. Mash the potatoes and banana to combine and adjust the seasonings, to taste.
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Top the meat with the potatoes. Cover the potatoes with the cheese and set in the oven. Bake to melt the cheese, about 5 minutes.
- For dessert, warm the apple and cranberry sauces in the microwave or in a small pot over low heat and season with cinnamon and orange zest. Place a little cran-applesauce in the bottom of each of four sundae dishes, then top with two scoops of ice cream, more sauce and a small dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with a few chopped pecans.