Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Hazelnut Mole

Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Hazelnut Mole: A Culinary Adventure

As a busy professional woman, finding time to create delicious and impressive meals can often feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Hazelnut Mole recipe is a game-changer. It's elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. The best part? The prep time is minimal, and the impressive presentation will make your guests think you spent hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance. The savory, smoky bacon perfectly complements the tender turkey breast. The rich, complex hazelnut mole adds a delightful depth of flavor, offering a wonderful contrast of sweet, spicy, and nutty notes. The preparation is straightforward, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your day without compromising on quality. I've found this dish to be a crowd-pleaser, regardless of whether it's a casual dinner or a more formal affair.

The key to success is planning. Marinating the turkey overnight is crucial for maximum flavor infusion. While the bacon wrapping might seem daunting, it’s surprisingly easy and adds a beautiful touch to the final presentation. The roasting process is straightforward, requiring minimal supervision. And the final step of arranging the sliced turkey on top of the mole is not only visually appealing, but also enhances the overall taste experience.

Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Time and Flavor

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to sacrifice quality for convenience. We often find ourselves opting for quick, processed meals over homemade, nourishing ones. This recipe, however, is a testament to the fact that you can have both. With a little planning and a bit of effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

It's about prioritizing what matters most – nourishing ourselves and our loved ones with delicious, homemade food. It's about finding that balance between career, personal life, and self-care, and this recipe embodies that perfectly. It reminds me that even amid the whirlwind of daily life, there's always time to create something beautiful and delicious.

This recipe transcends the simple act of cooking; it's a testament to the power of thoughtful preparation and the magic that unfolds when you take the time to craft something special. It's a celebration of flavor, a reminder to savor the moments, and a delicious way to nurture both body and soul. The aroma alone is worth the effort, filling your kitchen with a comforting warmth that promises a truly satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While I love the suggested pairing with a Petite Sirah, I also find that this dish pairs beautifully with lighter, crisper wines. A Pinot Noir or even a dry Rosé can work wonders in complementing the subtle sweetness of the hazelnut mole.

Feel free to experiment with the herbs and spices. A dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder can add an extra layer of smoky heat to the mole. You can also adjust the bacon quantity to your liking; if you prefer a less bacon-heavy dish, you can always use less.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients:

One final note on the ingredients: using high-quality ingredients will significantly elevate the final product. A good quality olive oil, fresh herbs, and a flavorful bacon will make all the difference. It’s a small investment that yields tremendous rewards. So, take the time to source the best ingredients you can find; your taste buds will thank you.

This Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast with Hazelnut Mole is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary journey, a testament to the power of thoughtful preparation, and a delicious celebration of flavor. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Combine first 9 ingredients in processor; blend until marinade is almost smooth.
• Rub marinade all over turkey breast halves.
• Place turkey in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish; pour remaining marinade over.
• Cover and chill overnight.
• Remove turkey from marinade, allowing some marinade to cling to turkey.
• Sprinkle turkey with salt and pepper.
• Place 1 pound bacon slices side by side on work surface, overlapping slightly.
• Place 1 turkey breast half, rounded side down, atop bacon.
• Wrap bacon around turkey breast, stretching slices slightly to cover turkey.
• Secure with toothpicks to hold bacon in place, then tie with kitchen string to secure bacon.
• Remove toothpicks.
• Repeat with second turkey breast half and remaining bacon.
• Place turkey breasts on large rimmed baking sheet. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill.)
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Place turkey in oven and roast 25 minutes.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of turkey registers 155°F, about 35 minutes.
• Remove from oven; let turkey rest 15 minutes (internal temperature will reach 162°F).
• Cut turkey breasts crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices.
• Ladle generous amount of Hazelnut Mole on large platter.
• Arrange turkey slices atop mole; sprinkle with parsley and serve.
• Chipotle chiles — dried, smoked jalapeños — canned in a spicy tomato sauce, sometimes called adobo, are sold at some supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and Latin markets.