Don't say no to turkey roll before you give it a chance

The best consumer food news in a long time was the introduction of ground turkey roll several years ago. Yet many shoppers still ignore it. Ground turkey roll - found in the meat-freezer section of supermarkets - is priced much lower than hamburger, has little or no fat, and can be substituted for ground or diced meats in most recipes. It also keeps well when frozen. The flavor is light and mixes well with spicy sauces and the seasonings in casseroles or pasta dishes.

You can substitute ground turkey in nearly all dishes calling for hamburger or ground meat such as veal, pork, or lamb. It makes great meatballs for spaghetti, casseroles, quiches, hash (brown first), stir-fry dishes, burgers, and meat sauce. Experiment as you go along, tasting now and then to adjust seasonings. The light, bland taste substitutes well for diced chicken in casseroles, pot-pies, and stuffed peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

Here are some recipes for a simple start. If your family loves Sloppy Joes, they will happily accept these. Sloppy Toms 1 tablespoon oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup diced celery 1 turkey roll, thawed 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano Salt as desired 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1/2 cup water

In large skillet heat oil, add onion, garlic, and celery. Stir for a minute, add turkey, brown slightly. Add chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix tomato sauce with water and pour over mixture. Simmer slowly 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on hamburger rolls or pita bread. Makes 4 to 6 sandwiches. Gobbler Chili 1 roll turkey, thawed 1 medium onion, choped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon oil 1 10 1/2-ounce can tomato soup 1 cup water 1 cup canned tomatoes with juice 1 16-ounce can kidney beans, with liquid 1 or more tablespoons chili powder as preferred 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon salt Dash or two of hot sauce, optional

In large saucepan brown turkey, onion, and garlic in oil. Add tomato soup, water, tomatoes, and kidney beans. Mix well. Add chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and hot sauce. Stir and simmer slowly for 40 minutes.

Serves 4 to 6. Breakfast Sausage 1 turkey roll, thawed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground sage 1 small onion, diced 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs 1 tablespoon oil

Mix all ingredients well in bowl. Chill for 3 hours or overnight. Form into patties. Fry slowly until brown on each side. Makes 6 to 8 patties. Special Turkey Meatloaf 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup chicken broth or bouillon 1 cup stuffing mix 1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 cup diced celery 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 turkey roll, thawed 1/4 pound bulk pork sausage 1/2 cup jelled cranberry sauce

Combine egg, broth or bouillon, stuffing mix, onion, celery, and salt in a bowl. Add turkey and sausage; mix well.

Pat into greased 8-by-4-inch, or medium, loaf pan. Spread jelled cranberry sauce over top. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour. Drain off fat, if needed, before serving. Serves 4 to 6.