Turkey

Eating well is a key factor in maintaining good health and well-being as we age, and this recipe for Turkey, Pear, and Cheddar Melt is a delicious and nutritious option that’s perfect for seniors who want to enjoy a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. With its tender turkey, sweet pear, and tangy cheddar cheese, this dish is a great way to get a variety of nutrients and flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and can be made in just a few simple steps.

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread
• 4-8 thin slices of cheddar
• 4-6 thin slices of pear
• 1 or 2 slices of turkey 
• honey mustard
• non stick spray

Directions

1. Pre-heat panini grill or prepare sandwich maker with non stick spray
2. Layer sandwich ingredients: (bread, cheese, pear, turkey, honey mustard, bread)
3. Spray top bread slice with non stick spray if needed
4. Press panini maker down or plug in sandwich maker and close. Let cook for 1 or 2 minutes, until cheese is melty and bubbly.

Substitutions

• This is incredibly customizable – use your favorite deli meat and cheese.
• Apples would be great instead of pears.
• This sandwich is similar to a specialty grilled cheese – if you’d prefer less cheese, use 1-2 slices of cheese and 3-4 slices of turkey instead.

Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition that’s cherished by many seniors, and this recipe for Sunday Brunch Turkey Melts is a delicious and fun way to enjoy the weekend with family and friends. With its tender turkey, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, this dish is a comforting and satisfying way to start the day. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes, making it a great option for seniors who want to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. So, let’s grab our aprons and get ready to cook up a storm!

Ingredients

• 1 English muffin, open in halves
• 4-6 slices of turkey
• 2-3 slices of provolone
• mayo
• olive oil
• oregano

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil, if desired (for no mess!)
2. Lay English muffin halves on baking sheet.  Lightly spread mayo on each half.
3. Pile 2-3 slices of turkey on each half and top with a slice of provolone, then brush olive oil on top.
4. Sprinkle oregano on top, and put in the oven until cheese is melted and the edges start to get slightly crispy (probably about 10 minutes).  Enjoy!

Substitutions

• This is incredibly customizable – use your favorite deli meat and cheese!

As we age, it becomes more important than ever to eat healthful and balanced meals that are rich in nutrients and easy to digest. This recipe for Pasta with Spinach Turkey Hash is a great option for seniors who are looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. With its tender turkey, nutritious spinach, and delicious pasta, this dish is a great way to enjoy a well-rounded meal that’s both easy to make and easy to enjoy. So, let’s put on our chef hats and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1/3 c ricotta
• 2-3 oz goat cheese
• 1.5 c frozen spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 slices sandwich turkey, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
• 6 oz pasta
• olive oil
• black pepper

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to directions (no salt needed)
2. Saute the onions in olive oil. Once soft and translucent, add the frozen spinach
3. Saute the frozen spinach in olive oil (enough to coat bottom of pan)
4. Once defrosted and starting to heat, add the garlic. Season with black pepper to taste.
5. Once the spinach has cooked for about 5-10 minutes (after adding the garlic), add to the cheese mixture. Blend, add the pasta, and mix.
6. Once warmed through, spoon onto cooked pasta and serve.

Substitutions

• Any protein would work great in here – try adding diced ham or sausage

This delicious and easy-to-make meal is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey or rotisserie chicken. It combines the flavors of savory turkey, crisp apples, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a warm and crispy tortilla. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, these turkey apple quesadillas are sure to please everyone around the kitchen table.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sized tortilla
• 3-4 slices turkey
• 2-3 slices cheese – monterey jack or provolone works great!  Munster is good too.
• 2-3 tbsp goat cheese (or drunken goat cheese!!)
• 1/2 medium apple, thinly sliced (I used fuji – slice enough for a crunch but no thicker!)
• 1 tbsp butter

Directions

1. Heat tortilla in microwave for 9-12 seconds, so that it doesn’t crack when folded.

2. Spreadh goat cheese on 1/2 of the tortilla.  The goat cheese doesn’t need to coat the entire side.

3. Layer the turkey, then the apple slices, then the cheese slices and fold the tortilla.

4. Melt butter on medium heat in a skillet.

5. Once the butter is melted, place the tortilla in the pan, pressing down occasionally with a spatula.  After the side is browned (1-2 minutes), flip and repeat. Once both sides are browned, remove from pan and enjoy!

Substitutions

• Change up the meat by using chicken, buffalo chicken, or even ham or roast beef! 
• Pear would be a great substitute for apple – even peach could work 
• Brie would be a great cheese substitute as well