Saturday, April 27, 2013

Turkey Nuggets

After watching an episode of. Extreme Couponing, I had an urge to make something from scratch. I have to say that I found the show motivating.  This was not because I felt I could save money by making my own nuggets; instead, I had the urge to make something healthy.  It was sad watching the couponers celebrate their $8.50 haul of about 70 bottles of soda and 200 boxes of Ramen Noodles along with other highly processed "food".  I wouldn't want to eat that garbage even if the store paid ME to take it home.  So, this was my motivation.

Making your own nuggets is simple and (better yet) you get to control the ingredients.  Here is what I did:


1)  Get your ingredients ready.  You can use chicken or turkey- whatever you prefer.  Our turkey was already cut into "nugget size" pieces from turkey processing day.  In the first bowl, I have beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard.  The second bowl contains breadcrumbs (homemade, of course), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.   Preheat the oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit with your baking sheet inside.

The beauty is you get to use what you like.  You don't have to use the mustard or those seasonings.  Some people like mayonnaise instead of the mustard.  Occasionally, I will use honey mustard or whole grain mustard.  Other seasonings can be used as well (seasoned salt is delicious).  Italian is my favorite blend to which I also like to add some Parmesan cheese.

2)  Take each piece of  chicken or turkey and put it in the egg mixture, coat each side, then do the same with the breadcrumb mixture.

3)  When you have enough nuggets ready, take the baking sheet out of the oven.  Drizzle it with olive oil.  Place the nuggets on the pan and drizzle the top of the nuggets with the oil.  Bake them for 5-7 minutes (you might need longer if you have larger pieces or strips).  At this time, turn them over and bake for another 5-7 minutes (or until completely cooked).


4)  You will have beautiful, golden brown, homemade nuggets ready for eating or freezing!  If you are going to freeze them, let them cool completely before you put them in a freezer safe container.  Enjoy!