Monday, May 27, 2013

Happy Memorial Day!

In memory of those who have given their lives to protect us and our freedom. There is no greater sacrifice. We appreciate you every day, but today we pause to remember.








While Memorial Day is to honor those who lost their lives for our country, it's also the official kickoff day of summer and that means grilling.

I blame this on the neighbors. I don't even know these people. But they had the nerve, the unmitigated gall, to cook their breakfast on the grill on Sunday morning. When I walked the dogs, the scent of bacon chased us. I was relieved when we were far enough away not to smell it anymore. But it was there again on the way back. And I knew I had bacon in the freezer.

Honestly, I was planning to roast a boring, ordinary turkey breast in the oven. Ho hum. But there I was, walking the dogs and trying to figure out a way to use the bacon. So I covered the turkey breast with bacon and put it on the grill.

Now, this isn't so much a recipe as it is instructions. After all, unless you're going to count water, it only has two ingredients, turkey breast and bacon.

It turned out great, though it does take a lot longer than burgers, hot dogs, or steaks. But if you're in the mood to irritate your neighbors and the wind is blowing in their direction, I must say -- that bacon smells awfully good when it's cooking!


Grilled Turkey Breast Wrapped in Bacon


1 turkey breast
1 12-ounce package bacon
water


Preheat the grill to 400.

I chose to remove the skin from the turkey breast. If it's going to be covered with bacon, it won't be crispy anyway. Use small kitchen snippers. It comes off quite easily. Place the turkey breast on a V-shaped rack. Drape the bacon over the top of the turkey breast, overlapping each slice about 1/2 inch.


Place the grill in a roasting pan and add about 1 inch of water to the pan. Place the pan with the turkey on the grill and close the cover.

Check every half hour or so, adding water as needed. Roast until an instant thermometer reaches 165, approximately 2 hours and 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from grill and let stand about ten minutes before cutting.

I suspect that it would also work without the water. If you've had chicken cooked on a beer can in a grill, you know what I mean when I say the meat is remarkably moist.


The same thing happens with the turkey cooked over water. The first slice is a little bit dry, but inside, the meat is incredibly tender.

Watch the bacon as it may get a little bit darker than you would like. If it looks like that is happening, cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.

Happy Memorial Day!

15 comments:

  1. I can smell that bacon. That's the beauty of Memorial Day when everyone gets out that grill and you smell a cornucopia of aromas from hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken.

    Happy Memorial Day!

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    1. Happy Memorial Day, Dru! I guess I'd better brace for more wonderful smells today. But I have my tasty turkey. Hope you'll be eating something delicious today!

      ~Krista

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  2. The unmitigated gall! What inspiration. Love the idea of adding bacon to a turkey. You could do it with chicken breasts or chicken or... Yum!

    So glad you got to enjoy the feast, Krista.

    And yes, on a day like today, may we remember...

    Daryl / Avery

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    1. You know, Daryl, you're absolutely right. Just pop a slice of bacon on top of chicken and grill it. Why not?

      ~Krista

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  3. that sounds so good!!!! I may have to try it soon as it stops raining so we can get out and grill. What a beautiful tribute to those who serve. My almost father in law as at Pearl Harbor. His brother was on the same ship as he. My almost father in law survived...his brother did not. The stories he tells are wonderful!! Thanks for sharing with all of us.

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    1. What a tragedy that his brother did not survive. So very sad. I hope you're writing down his stories!

      And I hope it stops raining. Yesterday was beautiful here, but rain clouds are moving in fast today.

      ~Krista

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  4. Can't wait to irritate the neighbors! What a great idea, Krista!

    Thanks.

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    1. And you look so sweet, Mary Jane! LOL!

      ~Krista

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  5. Freedom isn't free, so true and such a touching tribute video. Thanks for posting, Krista. Your recipe is brilliantly simple and a great idea for cookout dinner parties.

    Everything's better with bacon, isn't it? Marc's favorite is a bacon burger and mine, well, it's a bacon turkey wrap, so you and I are on the same page for sure.

    Good Memorial Day to you and everyone!

    ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
    Cleo Coyle on Twitter

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    1. LOL! Almost everything is better with bacon! I'm still not completely convinced about bacon on sweets! I think this will be right up your alley, though, Cleo!

      ~Krista

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  6. Doing steaks today, but this looks wonderful! Will do it next weekend. Thanks for inventing/sharing.

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    1. Steaks are much faster and soooo good. I hope you're turned out perfect, Cherie!

      ~Krista

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    2. LOL! It's late. That was supposed to be -- I hope yours turned out perfect. The steaks!

      ~Krista

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  7. We spent the day with our daughter, son in law, our three grandchildren and our son. We must have had the neighbors very confused with our grill. First we did lobsters on the grill along with baked potatoes and roasted ears of corn. Then, for the non lobster fans, they also cooked steaks and babyback ribs. Meanwhile we had the windows open as it was a lovely day after having many with rain and from those windows was the aroma of two strawberry rhubarb pies baking (and actually running over they were so juicy). I guess we "tortured" them really well today like Krista's neighbors did with their bacon the other day, didn't we? Come to think of it, I don't think they were even home today. Look what they missed? Love reading what everyone had to say about bacon and cooking in general. Bacon makes everything better, but we didn't need any today. There is tomorrow, however. We have so much to be thankful for in our lives and we are so in debt to the servicemen and women who have kept us safe and who do so much to give us the freedom and the "good and free life" that we have. Today the cemeteries were so representative of the honor that is bestowed upon the military for their service; it warmed our hearts and we will keep that gratitude in our mind and our hearts all year long until next Memorial Day when we can show them again.

    Blessings to all.

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    1. Ceblain, we do have so much and owe gratitude to our servicemen and women for protecting us and our way of life.

      Next year I'm coming to your house -- lobster AND steak AND ribs? Oh my! You are a true domestic diva!

      ~Krista

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