Turkey and Stuffing Meatloaf with Apple Cider Gravy

This recipe is straight from Rachael Ray... My sister told me about it and we both decided to try it. I halved the recipe and it was enough for our family of four with leftovers. The only thing I did differently was to cook the onion, celery and apple for a little while first. I don't like crunchy things in my meatloaf.

Turkey and Stuffing Meatloaf

Ingredients
2 McIntosh or Gala apples, peeled and cut into small dice
1 tablespoon lemon juice (I skipped this)
2 pounds ground all-white turkey (or a mix of dark and white meat)
3 to 4 ribs of celery, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 large egg
Salt and ground black pepper
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups stuffing mix
1 tablespoon EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Yields: 4 servings
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400ºF.

In a large bowl, add apples and lemon juice, and toss together. Add turkey, celery, onion, poultry seasoning, egg, salt and ground black pepper.

In a medium-size bowl, add the stock and the stuffing. Toss around, letting the stuffing soak up the liquid, then add it to the bowl with the turkey. Mix everything together well, then turn it out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. Coat with EVOO, transfer to the oven and roast until brown and cooked through, about an hour.




I sauteed the onion and celery first, then added the apple at the end.

I think mine was a little too moist, but my sister's looked like it was the right shape. (she showed me her leftovers)

Cider Gravy

Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups apple cider
2 cups chicken stock
Salt and ground black pepper
Yields: 4 servings
Preparation
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, cook 1 minute then whisk in the cider and stock. Let thicken, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Verdict: The gravy was fantastic! Don't let the apple cider throw you; it really brings out the apple in the meatloaf and is just sweet enough. Three out of four in our family ate the meatloaf and enjoyed it. I'm sure you can guess who would not touch it... My four year-old was upset that the stuffing was in the turkey and wanted just plain turkey. *sigh*