Sweet and Spicy Turkey Loaf

Sweet Thai chili sauce and a little sambal oelek (very spicy chili sauce) turn bland turkey into a loaf to remember!  The chili sauces are available in the Asian section of most grocery stores or your favorite Asian mart.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

2 slices bacon
2 green onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup diced celery (small dice)
2 cloves minced garlic
2 pounds ground turkey (85/15)
1 egg
1  1/2 cups panko crumbs
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbl sweet Thai chili sauce
1 Tbl sambal oelek
1 Tbl soy sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup minced parsley

In a saute pan, cook the bacon until crisp.  remove and crumble.  Leaving the drippings in the pan, saute the onion, celery and garlic until softened and fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl combine the turkey, bacon, sauteed vegetables, egg panko crumbs, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, sambal oelek, soy, salt, pepper and parsley.
Shape the mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf and place on a parchment lined baking sheet or place in an oiled 9x5 inch loaf pan. I use one with that wonderful insert for easy removal.
Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining 2 Tbl of sweet chili sauce and bake in a pre heated 350F oven for 60 to 80 minutes or until the internal temp of the loaf reaches 160F.
NOTE:  Serve with more sweet chili sauce if you like.