Lunch: Turkey Roll with Christmas Crumble Topping and Sage and Onion Stuffing

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cranberries

Health benefits of Turkey Roll with Christmas Crumble Topping and Sage and Onion Stuffing

Researchers believe that cranberries contain substances that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. However, store-bought cranberry juice is typically all sugar - so make sure to stick with straight cranberries.

Cranberries: The Unsung Hero in PCOS Management

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) stands as one of the predominant hormonal disorders affecting many women across the globe. Finding effective and holistic methods to manage its array of symptoms is often a journey filled with trials and experiments. Amidst the vast spectrum of dietary recommendations, a certain ruby-red fruit emerges as a potential powerhouse: the humble cranberry.

Understanding Cranberries:

Native to North America, cranberries are tiny, tart berries packed with nutrients. They are most commonly known for their ability to support urinary tract health. However, their benefits extend far beyond that, making them a valuable addition to the diet of those managing PCOS.

• 1. Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries boast a high concentration of antioxidants, especially proanthocyanidins. These compounds can combat oxidative stress, which has been linked to insulin resistance, a common concern for those with PCOS.
• 2. Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Inflammation is often silently associated with PCOS. The anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries can potentially aid in reducing systemic inflammation, indirectly supporting hormonal balance.
• 3. Supports Gut Health: A healthy gut can influence hormonal balance. The fibers and phytonutrients in cranberries promote a balanced gut microbiome, fostering good digestive health.
• 4. Low Glycemic Fruit: Dietary recommendations for PCOS often stress the importance of low glycemic index (GI) foods to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Cranberries fit the bill perfectly, allowing for a sweet treat without the blood sugar spike.

Incorporating Cranberries into Your Diet:

While cranberry juice is widely available, it's essential to opt for unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars. Fresh cranberries can be added to salads, smoothies, or baked goods. Dried cranberries, preferably unsweetened or minimally sweetened, can be a delicious addition to oatmeal, granolas, or as a simple snack.

PCOS management requires a multifaceted approach, and nutrition stands as one of its cornerstones. By integrating cranberries into a balanced diet, individuals with PCOS can harness their benefits, taking a flavorful step towards better health. As with all dietary changes, it's always a good practice to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure the best choices for individual health needs.

Ingredients

One 3 1/2-ounce bag pork rinds, crushed
3 thick slices sourdough bread (about 3 1/2 ounces), broken into pieces and baked until crisp, then crushed
3/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Finely grated zest of 1 orange, for serving

Instructions

Make the crumble topping: To a medium bowl, add the pork rinds, sourdough crumbs, pistachios, cranberries and thyme. Mix with your hands and set aside in a covered container. Make the stuffing: In a large bowl, mix together the sausage, breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, chestnuts, sage, juniper berries, pepper and salt. Stuff the turkey: Set the turkey on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, open out the turkey breast as if you are butterflying it. Place the turkey between two sheets of plastic wrap and flatten it out by smashing it with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Remove and discard the top piece of plastic wrap. Season the turkey with salt and pepper. Spread a generous dollop of the stuffing mixture in a 1/4-inch-thick layer onto the turkey breast, then use the plastic wrap to roll the turkey. Completely enclose the turkey in plastic wrap and secure with butchers twine at regular intervals along the length of the roll. Refrigerate the turkey until youre ready to cook. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Add 1 3/4 cup boiling water to a deep roasting pan. Set a wire rack in the pan and place the rolled turkey breast on top. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for until the thickest part of the turkey reads 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 1 1/2 to 2 hours; if it hasnt reached that temperature, continue to cook until it does, checking the temperature every 10 minutes or so. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven, loosely tent it with aluminum foil and set aside to rest for 40 minutes. When cool enough to handle, remove the string and plastic wrap. While the turkey rests, cook the stuffing: Increase the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Line a terrine dish or oven-safe casserole or baking dish with the bacon, leaving some excess hanging over the sides. Pack the dish with the remaining stuffing mix and wrap the bacon over the top. Bake the stuffing until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to rest for 20 minutes before inverting the stuffing onto a baking sheet. Heat the broiler to hot and broil the stuffing until the bacon is crisp. Transfer the turkey to a platter and brush a thick layer of the brown sauce over the top. Cover with the crumble topping, sprinkle with orange zest and serve straight away with the stuffing on the side.
NotesTo crush dried juniper berries, place them in a resealable plastic bag and lightly smash with the bottom of a heavy skillet or pot.
Brown sauce, such as HP Sauce, is a bottled condiment popular in the United Kingdom and adds a savory, spiced and syrupy flavor to food. Bread sauce, made with breadcrumbs, milk and onions, is commonly served with poultry.