Talking turkey could be considered a political term as well as a food term and either could apply at this time of year. However, before I delve into the "light or dark" side of politics, Thanksgiving happens to be one of my favorite holidays. I have been cooking turkey since I was in high school. About 15 years ago I found a great recipe and have used it ever since. I even experimented with how to get it done the day before so I would have room in the oven and the turkey mess already cleaned up. So "here it tis".
The Perfect Turkey
The Perfect TurkeyPreheat oven 375'
1 fresh turkey
stuffing
Bed of root veggies: White onion, scrubbed carrot (cut in chunks),
celery stalks (no leaves), cut in chunks, 5-6 garlic cloves,
three sprigs fresh thyme, rosemary or both (I prefer rosemary)
3 bay leaves, 2 turnips (scrubbed and cut in chunks)
Scatter root vegetables on bottom of roasting pan. Place turkey on top of veggies, stuff with favorite stuffing/dressing. Tie turkey legs together. Brush with baste mixture.
Baste mixture: 1 stick melted butter mixed with
3 T. olive oil
1 T. salt (that is right)
1/4 t. pepper
Place turkey in oven uncovered for 30 minutes at 375'
or until nicely browned.
Reduce the temperature to 275' cooking 20 minutes per each pound
of turkey or until internal temp reaches 160'.
Baste every 30 minutes with baste mixture and/or pan drippings.
Tent with foil and let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving.
Strain pan juices of solid and make your gravy.
*Do turkey the day ahead, carve and place in oven proof dish.
Pour some pan juices and place any loose turkey skin over the sliced turkey.
Seal well with foil.
Next day heat up at 350' for 30' minutes.
** I will be adding a FAQ at some point
to answer any cooking questions and to offer needed recipes.
1 fresh turkey
stuffing
Bed of root veggies: White onion, scrubbed carrot (cut in chunks),
celery stalks (no leaves), cut in chunks, 5-6 garlic cloves,
three sprigs fresh thyme, rosemary or both (I prefer rosemary)
3 bay leaves, 2 turnips (scrubbed and cut in chunks)
Scatter root vegetables on bottom of roasting pan. Place turkey on top of veggies, stuff with favorite stuffing/dressing. Tie turkey legs together. Brush with baste mixture.
Baste mixture: 1 stick melted butter mixed with
3 T. olive oil
1 T. salt (that is right)
1/4 t. pepper
Place turkey in oven uncovered for 30 minutes at 375'
or until nicely browned.
Reduce the temperature to 275' cooking 20 minutes per each pound
of turkey or until internal temp reaches 160'.
Baste every 30 minutes with baste mixture and/or pan drippings.
Tent with foil and let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving.
Strain pan juices of solid and make your gravy.
*Do turkey the day ahead, carve and place in oven proof dish.
Pour some pan juices and place any loose turkey skin over the sliced turkey.
Seal well with foil.
Next day heat up at 350' for 30' minutes.
** I will be adding a FAQ at some point
to answer any cooking questions and to offer needed recipes.
10 comments:
Sounds yumcious. Have you ever considered brining it first?
I have, but haven't tried it. Have you? I am going to send you a recipe if I can find it. I heard it was excellent. Try it and let me know, if you don't have one of your own.
You are my first comment on my first post...you foodie!
I am the proud recipient of this yummolicious turkey. I have been enjoying this turkey for as long as my mom has been making it and I can tell you that it is moist and delicious. I love the turkey! Thanks mum for sharing!
Sylvia, this is awesome! Good for you! I can't wait to read more! Josh is doing our turkey this year so I'll direct him to this recipe! Thanks!
What about the giblets?
I am saving them for you giblet boy...actually I cooked them up for Edward.
I always brine the bird unless I'm deep frying it. I just put it in a 5 gallon igloo, 2 cups salt and one cup brown sugar per gallon of water. I'll also add some garlic and onions. Works great on chicken too. No more dry birds!
Jared (my brother who hid his blog from us-for shame..) I brined mine a few years ago, but never thought of using an igloo. I made a huge mess and I don't think it sat for as long as it needed. I have used Sylvias recipe for the last 5 years though and then last year added the great turkey roaster which I love. I want a good stuffing recipe! Alyssa and I experiement every year and last year was yummy, but I don't think we wrote it down. Congrats on the Mojo sister... I love it!
Sylvia,
It it you? I didn't know you're a blogger. HOORAY! Now I can keep in touch with you via blog! I'm so excited. I need your need email address because I tried to send you something and it didn't go through. Email me something so I can have it! Thanks a million. Can't wait~I'll be watching for it!
Leisel
TURKEY TURNED OUT GREAT MA. THANKS FOR THE TIPS.
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