Candied Kumquats over Pistachio Crusted Turkey Breast

Today, December 25th our family celebrates my sister Rita’s birthday. She will forever be the special Christmas gift our family was so privileged to receive on that Christmas day. This time of the year makes us reflect on many different things. This moment, this day, this season will never come again. Treasure it and treasure those you love who make it memorable. I like to keep in mind that the best reflection of Christmas takes place in the mirror of our own hearts.

For many of us, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the aroma of turkey roasting in the oven. But that doesn’t mean you have to roast the whole bird to get the desired effect. Even though Brion and I probably like the dark meat almost better than the white, we have enjoyed quite a few little turkey ‘breast’ dinners.

This year kumquats are high on my list. They not only add a festive touch but paired with pistachios they seem to really enrich the flavor of the meat. Kumquat season is short and usually begins in November and lasts through the Chinese New Year in January. The name kumquat means ‘golden orange’ in its native Canton.

Although this recipe has about three parts, it comes together real easy. The pistachios form a nice crispy crust while the turkey breast stays tender and moist. It is so nice complimented by all the usual ‘side’ dishes of a turkey feast.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RITA … WE LOVE YOU … ENJOY YOUR DAY!

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO EVERYONE

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Candied Kumquats over Pistachio Crusted Turkey Breast

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Rating: 5
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Course

Main Dish

Cuisine

American, Asia

Servings

MetricUS Imperial

Ingredients

Turkey / Stuffing

• 900 gm whole turkey breast, boneless/skinless
• 120 gm Stove Top stuffing, turkey flavor,
• 3/4 cup water

Pistachio Breading

• 1 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 Tbsp whole grain, Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp honey

Candied Kumquats

• 400 gm kumquats, seeded & sliced 1/8-inch thick
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 cup water

Course Main Dish Cuisine American, Asia Servings MetricUS Imperial Ingredients Turkey / Stuffing 900 gm whole turkey breast, boneless/skinless 120 gm Stove Top stuffing, turkey flavor, 3/4 cup water Pistachio Breading 1 cup pistachios, chopped 1/2 cup bread crumbs 2 Tbsp whole grain, Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp honey Candied Kumquats 400 gm kumquats, seeded & sliced 1/8-inch thick 1/2 cup sugar 12 cup water

Votes: 1 Rating: 5 You: Rate this recipe!

Instructions

Pistachio Breading

1. In a shallow dish, combine pistachios & bread crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together mustard, olive oil & honey.

Turkey / Stuffing

1. In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil then stir in contents of stuffing mix. Cover & allow to sit for 5 minutes then fluff with a fork & cool.
2. Preheat oven to 325 F. Butter a large piece of heavy foil, making a circle about the same size as the turkey breast. Keeping the whole turkey breast intact, flatten slightly to create a uniform thicken.
3. Dip the turkey breast in Dijon mixture, being sure to coat both inside & outside well. Next coat both inside & outside with pistachio/bread crumb mixture. Lay breast on buttered foil; top half of the breast with the turkey stuffing. Fold other half on top to enclose the filling. If necessary, use some toothpicks to secure stuffed breast during roasting time. Cup sides of foil fairly close to meat.
4. Roast, covered for 1 hour, remove top piece of foil & continue to bake another 1/2 hour or until 185 F. is reached on a meat thermometer. Remove from oven & allow to rest a few minutes before slicing.

Candied Kumquats

1. While the turkey is roasting prepare your kumquats. Heat water & sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Once sugar water begins to boil, add (seeded) sliced kumquats, stirring to coat well. Reduce heat to low & let simmer until liquid is reduced to a syrup consistency. Remove from heat & serve with turkey breasts.