Adriana Pacifici's Turkey Roll
Dear SOS: Some years ago you printed a recipe, Adriana Pacifici’s Turkey Roll, that became a favorite of our family. Unfortunately, the recipe has become so tattered and torn I am missing the last few paragraphs and, thus, have lost the instructions for cooking time and temperature. Can you help?
Joan Forsum
Capistrano Beach
Dear Joan: Of course we can. The roll is a festive choice for a large summer party or a holiday substitute for turkey or other roasts. However, plan plenty of time to prepare it in stages. It’s a lot of work but worth it, judging from the requests we’ve received long after the recipe appeared. This is from Pacifici, a caterer.
Have butcher remove all turkey bones and butterfly meat to spread out into a flat sheet. With a sharp knife, make 6 random incisions in breast and place garlic half in each. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cover with a layer of prosciutto slices.
Beat eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in parsley. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in eggs and cook to soft, whole round omelet or frittata (do not overcook), 2 to 3 minutes. Cool slightly. Place omelet over prosciutto.
Top with mortadella slices. Roll breast as tightly as possible, jellyroll fashion, and tie with string all around. If using fresh rosemary, insert sprigs under strings; if using dried rosemary, rub turkey roll with dried herb. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in large Dutch oven or roasting skillet over low heat. Add turkey roll and cook to brown evenly, turning occasionally. Increase heat and sprinkle with wine. After about 5 minutes or after wine has evaporated, add 1/3 cup butter, onion and shallot. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 1 hour or until meat thermometer inserted in roll reaches 165 degrees. Baste top occasionally.
Let stand about 15 minutes before carving. Cut into thin slices and arrange on serving platter. At time of serving, heat sauce and pour some over slices and pass remainder.
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