BACON WRAPPED STUFFING RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan, and use a little more to grease a 900g loaf tin. Put the onion in the pan and cook gently for 10-15 mins until caramelised. Tip into a large bowl and set aside to cool. Line the loaf tin with a double strip of foil, leaving plenty overhanging either end (you can use this as a handle to remove the parcel once cooked).
• Stretch each piece of bacon a little with the back of your knife. Arrange the rashers so the base of the tin is covered with overlapping bacon and the rashers come neatly up the sides in a single layer, overhanging generously. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the bacon.
• Once the onion has cooled, add the sausagemeat and sage to the bowl. Mix everything together, then pack half the mixture into the tin. Spread over about a third of the cranberry sauce.
• Cut each turkey breast steak into three strips. Layer roughly half the turkey on top of the stuffing mix, filling any gaps like a jigsaw, but keeping the turkey in one thick layer, then season. Spread over a little more cranberry sauce, then top with the remaining stuffing, cranberry sauce and turkey in the same way, making sure there are no gaps between the layers. The parcel should be full to the top when you’re finished. Fold over the overhanging bacon and wrap the tin in foil. Can now be chilled for up to 2 days.
• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the tin on a baking tray and cook for 1 hr 30 mins. Remove the tin from the oven and leave to cool for 10 mins. Carefully lift the parcel out of the tin, using the foil handles. Roll the parcel over onto a baking tray. Return to the oven for a further 15-20 mins until the outside is crisp and browning. Test the internal temperature with a thermometer, if you have one – it should read 75C when it’s ready. Or insert a metal skewer into the centre of the parcel and check it is piping hot. Cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for at least 15 mins before serving. Top with the reserved sage leaves, then slice. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 2 days.

Steps:

• First prepare the stuffing. Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan, then soften the onion without colouring for 10 mins. Tip into a bowl. Add the pancetta or bacon to the pan, fry for 5 mins until golden, then add the pine nuts, garlic, sage and lemon zest. Fry for 1 min more until fragrant and the pine nuts are starting to brown. Stir in the chopped parsley. Tip into the bowl with the onions, then bind with the crumbs, egg and seasoning.
• Butter and season a sheet of turkey foil or use 2 sheets of foil crimped together to make a sheet about 50 x 60cm. Lay five long pieces of string over the foil like rungs of a ladder, ready to tie the breast together. Arrange the pancetta or bacon in a lattice over the middle of the foil, on top of the string.
• Open out the butterflied breast, skin-side down, and slash each side several times. Cover with cling film and bash with a rolling pin until the meat is about 5cm thick all over. Trim the sides so that you have a roughly rectangular shape (but be careful not to cut the skin). Lift onto the pancetta, then fill any gaps with the trimmings. Season, then press the stuffing along the middle of the joint. Pull up the sides at one end, tucking in the short end, then tie the string tightly so that the stuffing is encased. Repeat with all the strings. Wrap up tightly in the foil, then turn the roll over so that the pancetta is on the top. Can be left in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Sit the joint in a roasting tin and roast for 40 mins per kg or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out very hot and the juices run clear. Unwrap for the last 10 mins of cooking.
• Lift the joint onto a board and leave to rest, covered, for at least 10 mins. For the gravy, heat the tin on the hob, then splash in the wine and any juices. Reduce by half, then add the stock and repeat. Pour in the cream and bubble to a slightly reduced sauce. Season to taste, then stir in the parsley.