By Gail Bellamy

As restaurant pros know, turkey is no longer limited to Thanksgiving. According to the National Turkey Federation, turkey consumption has more than doubled in the U.S. since 1970. Last year, U.S. per capita turkey consumption was 16.1 pounds. Here are eight recipes demonstrating turkey’s menu versatility.  

• Turkey mushroom avocado benedict

• Spicy Thai turkey burger

• Char siu turkey breast salad

• Turkey apple pecan salad

• Peppery turkey tramezzino sandwiches

• Turkey filet mignon wrapped in turkey bacon

• Turkey saltimbocca with corn pappardelle

• Southwestern smoked turkey chili with fresh jalapeno pico