Meat and Potato Cupcakes

Yes, it has been a while since my last post.  Amazing how much that pesky job gets in the way.  ;-)  So as I was catching up on my DVR recordings, I ran across this and had to give it a try.  Those who have kids this is a must.  It is so healthy and a great way to get them excited about dinner.  Who can resist a cupcake?!  My tip is to be generous on the salting of the meat since turkey is very bland and does not have much flavor.  I used about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.  Use a little less if it is table salt.  For grownups not wanting to bother with the cupcake look, just serve the potatoes on the side.

Meat and Potato Cupcakes

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Salt
2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus some for brushing
1 Gala apple, finely chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning, about a palmful
Pepper
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
Poppy seeds, for garnish

Preheat oven to 425˚F.

Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Salt water and cook potatoes to tender.

Brush the inside of a 12-cup muffin tin with EVOO.

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat with two turns of the pan of EVOO. Add apples, celery and onion, and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, poultry seasoning, softened apples, celery and onion mixture, salt and pepper. Separate mixture into 12 equal portions and shape into muffin cups. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Drain cooked sweet potatoes and put into a food processor. Add buttermilk, honey, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and purée.

When cool enough to handle, remove muffins from cups and “frost” mini meatloaves with sweet potato purée. Roll the sides in herbs and top with poppy seeds.

Thank you Rachael Ray!