TURKEY MEATLOAF

OK, so not normally something that I would make, but I'm trying to lose a few pounds and "lighten" it up a little in the kitchen.  This meatloaf is tender and juicy - not the typical dry and bland flavors usually associated with ground turkey.  It also makes great turkey burgers.  I made it twice this week already!

1 lb ground white meat turkey
1 lb ground dark meat turkey
(Whole Foods sells both.  If you can't find it, just use 2 lbs of ground turkey)
2 eggs
2 celery stalks, chopped fine
1 or 2 shallots, chopped fine
1 apple, chopped small dice
1 tablespoon  fresh thyme leaves
small bunch of parsley, chopped
zest and juice of one lemon
dash cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon mango chutney
2 cups panko bread crumbs
2 slices of bacon (optional)

Turn on oven to 350°

Saute the shallots, celery, apple, and thyme over medium heat with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper until softened. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.

In a large bowl, add turkey meat, breaking it up with a fork. Add eggs, mango chutney, parsley, lemon zest and juice, cayenne pepper, and the celery, shallot, apple mixture. Add more salt and pepper if needed.  Mix lightly to combine.
Add the panko bread crumbs, mixing in gently.  Don't overwork the mixture.

Pat into a loaf pan... and if you're not on a diet, top with 2 strips of bacon.
Bake 40-50 minutes, until firm and cooked through.
Broil at 500° 5-6 minute until the top is browned and the bacon is crispy.
Let cool and slice.

Alternately, make mixture into patties and grill or fry in a pan for turkey burgers.

Great with avocado!

 I found that frying the leftover slices the next day in a nonstick pan with a bit of olive oil makes the slices nicely browned and crispy.  If your feeling piggy, serve on some white bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato and a bit more chutney for a yummy meatloaf sandwich. (And forget about your diet that day!)