Preparing the turkey
To prepare a succulent baked turkey, start by gathering the following ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cups chicken broth
Follow these steps to prepare the turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub the softened butter underneath the skin and over the entire turkey.
- Season the turkey generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the lemon and onion quarters.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to become golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Cooking tips:
- Basting the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices will help keep it moist and flavorful.
- Using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure the turkey is cooked to the proper temperature without overcooking.
- Letting the turkey rest before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bird.
Making stove top stuffing
To make delicious stove top stuffing, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably a mix of white and whole wheat)
Follow these steps to prepare the stuffing:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the cubed bread.
- Gradually add the chicken broth to the bread mixture, stirring gently to combine. The bread should be moist but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the stuffing is heated through and the flavors are well combined, about 15-20 minutes.
Cooking tips:
- For added flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, chopped apples, or dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier stuffing, spread the mixture in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Using day-old bread is crucial as it absorbs the broth better, resulting in a more flavorful stuffing.
Crafting the perfect gravy
To craft the perfect gravy, gather the following ingredients:
- Drippings from the roasted turkey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Follow these steps to prepare the gravy:
- After removing the turkey from the roasting pan, pour the drippings into a fat separator or a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the fat to rise to the top.
- Skim off the fat, reserving about 1/4 cup, and discard the rest. Reserve the remaining drippings.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the reserved drippings and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired for an extra depth of flavor.
- Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits, if necessary.
- Keep the gravy warm until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.
Cooking tips:
- For a richer flavor, use turkey broth instead of chicken broth.
- If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a bit more broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.
- To add a touch of elegance, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of brandy just before serving.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.