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Roasting a Turkey tips from Williams Sonoma
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Roasting a Turkey tips from Williams Sonoma

Roasting the Turkey

 

I think we’ll do a buttermilk turkey  but try it as a brine this year. got to make space in frig for 24 to 36 hour bath.

The information that follows includes general guidelines for roasting a turkey. If you are using a turkey recipe from one of our Thanksgiving menus, follow the specific techniques described in the recipe.

What Size Turkey to Buy
To ensure ample servings for Thanksgiving dinner as well as generous leftovers, allow for 1 to 1 1/4 lb. of turkey per person.

What Size Pan to Use
For best results, roast your turkey on a wire rack in an open roasting pan. Because of the turkey’s weight, a sturdy pan with good handles is recommended. If you use a foil roasting pan, double it for extra strength and take special care when transferring it into and out of the oven.

Turkey Weight Minimum Pan Size
Up to 12 lb. 14″ x 10″ x 2 3/4″ high (small)
Up to 16 lb. 15 3/4″ x 12″ x 3″ high (medium)
Up to 20 lb. 16″ x 13″ x 3″ high (large)

 

 

 

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting. Do not leave the turkey at room temperature longer than 1 hour.

Roasting an Unstuffed Turkey
The times listed below are calculated for an unstuffed turkey brought to room temperature and roasted at 400°F, breast side down, for the first 45 minutes, then turned breast side up and roasted at 325°F until done.

Turkey Weight Approximate Roasting Time
10 to 12 lb. 2 1/2 to 3 hours
12 to 14 lb. 2 3/4 to 3 1/4 hours
14 to 16 lb. 3 to 3 3/4 hours
16 to 18 lb. 3 1/4 to 4 hours
18 to 20 lb. 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 hours
20+ lb. 3 3/4 to 4 1/2 hours

 

 

 

 

 

Roasting a Stuffed Turkey
Stuff the turkey just before putting it in the oven (do not stuff it earlier). Spoon the dressing loosely into the body and neck cavities. Do not overfill, as the dressing will expand during roasting. Truss the turkey (see related tip at left).

To facilitate removing the stuffing, first line the inside of the cavity with a double layer of cheesecloth, allowing it to extend beyond the cavity by a few inches. Then spoon the stuffing inside. After roasting the bird, gently pull the overhanging cheesecloth and the stuffing will slip out easily, neatly tucked inside the cheesecloth.

To ensure that a stuffed turkey cooks evenly, roast the bird slowly, breast side up, at 325°F, covering the breast loosely with foil for the first two-thirds of the roasting time. Using the chart above, add about 30 minutes to the total cooking time for stuffed birds weighing 16 lb. or less, and about 1 hour for birds weighing more than 16 lb.

Additional Tips
1. After taking the turkey out of the oven, let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows time for some of the juices to be absorbed back into the meat, which makes it easier to carve and more moist.

2. If roasting a stuffed bird, remove all of the stuffing at serving time.

3. After dinner, remove any remaining meat from the bones and refrigerate the leftovers.

SHAWARMA-SPICED GRILLED CHICKEN WITH GARLIC YOGURT
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SHAWARMA-SPICED GRILLED CHICKEN WITH GARLIC YOGURT

Lyn and I both agreed that the combination of spice was pretty darn good. I added some diced cucumbers in the sauce.  Easy to prepare cooks in no time.

 

 

Cook Time: 15 minutes

An easy, grilled chicken version of the classic Turkish street food which is usually cooked on a rotating spit. It is perfect served over couscous with yogurt and cucumbers as I did here, or try it with rice pilaf, or on a pita.  Other sides that would work are tomatoes, tahini, olives, feta, or hummus. Harissa would also work great to add some spice!

INGREDIENTS:

CHICKEN:

  • 1 pound (2) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice from 1 medium lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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GARLIC YOGURT SAUCE:

  • 1 (7-ounce) container 2% Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Place the chicken breasts, 1 at a time, in a Ziploc bag.
  • Pound each breast to an even thickness, about ½-inch thick, being careful not to puncture the bag.
  • Place pounded chicken breasts back into bag and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice.  Whisk until combined.
  • Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, red pepper, salt and black pepper and whisk again.
  • Pour the marinade into the bag with the chicken, massaging it to evenly coat.
  • Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
  • In a small bowl (or right in the container), combine the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and salt.
  • Stir to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Over medium-high heat, grill the chicken for 3 minutes or until it no longer sticks to the grill.
  • Turn the chicken and grill an additional 3-4 minutes.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes then slice it thinly, across the grain.
  • Top each breast with 2 tablespoons sauce and a sprinkle of parsley.

Serve.

I put mine in a roll up with arugula and Lyn chopped her breast then added to some chopped arugula salad.

it was protein day so no veggies in this, arugula is a spice not a veggie, so on protein day we eat a lot of arugula.

Arugula, also known as salad or garden rocket, is one of the nutritious green-leafy vegetable of Mediterranean origin. It is a small, low growing annual herb featuring dandelion like succulent, elongated, lobular leaves with green-veins.

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Instant Pot Boneless Turkey Breast

Again Lyn loves the white meat and I love Lyn so when we saw this nice little boneless turkey breast at Whole Foods we grabbed it.

I made a quick brine or smoked seat salt, some natural sugar that Lyn had in pantry and water let it sit for a few hours – I just guessed at this part.

Dried it off and browned all sides under Sautee setting.   I’m still getting used to it but I don’t like this setting don’t think it gets hot enough but you do get those brown bits on the bottom of the pan.

Remember is browning something make sure it has been patted dry or you’ll lower the temperature of the pan or just steam it.

I put the steam rake in and added a cup of broth then put the breast in.

Sealed it and pushed the poultry button.  ( Sorry I can’t remember if I added the time or not.

It came out pretty moist, tender and have to admit pretty good in fact I have some diced in my salad today.

 

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INSTANT POT LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS
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INSTANT POT LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS

INSTANT POT LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS

MARCH 17, 2015 BY PREDOMINANTLYPALEO

 

Ok I did not cook this melt in your mouth delicious entre, Lyn did and for the, as she put it, and it only took 15 minutes to cook. Man this was good especially where I am the thigh lover not as crazy about the breast meat, too dry for me although we do eat a fair amount. Also none of my pictures I borrowed Jennifer Robins.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil, lard, or ghee
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup organic chicken broth or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (omit for AIP)
  • 1/4 cup white cooking wine (omit for AIP)
  • 1 large lemon juiced (or more to taste)
  • 3-4 teaspoons (or more) arrowroot flour
  1. Turn your Instant Pot onto the saute feature and place in the diced onion and cooking fat
  2. Cook the onions for 5-10 minutes or until softened. You can also choose to cook until they start to brown
  3. Add in the remaining ingredients except for the arrowroot flour and secure the lid on your Instant Pot
  4. Select the “Poultry” setting and make sure your steam valve is closed
  5. Allow cook time to complete, release steam valve to vent and then carefully remove lid
  6. At this point you may thicken your sauce by making a slurry. To do this remove about 1/4 cup sauce from the pot, add in the arrowroot flour, and then reintroduce the slurry into the remaining liquid
  7. Stir and serve right away. This also reheats well as leftovers

garlic lemon chicken

Maple Dijon Chicken
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Maple Dijon Chicken

I know I have been quiet recently I think it is the cold coupled with the snow it has been storm after storm and bitter cold it just slows one down. You just want to pull the blanket up to the chin and snuggle with your honey, although I snore so snuggling with me can be rough. Anyway I got a new hone and want to try out the camera compared to Lyn’s old 3 Megapixel hand held camera.  She got that camera as a gift I think it was for her 10 year anniversary with Harvard Health this year was 15 and she chose binoculars bird watching will be fun this year if she shares. I hear the spring birds outside every morning it sounds nice even when you walk out there and your nostrils freeze shut. I throw them some seeds, don’t tell Lyn, and they are very appreciative.  So let me know what you think of the pictures I hope to get better when I become more acquainted with my new Motto X. Funny up until a few years ago Mike used to come to me and ask how do you do this and that on a computer and now I feel like my parents asking him stuff all the time. At least it is a good excuse to hear his voice, I like that voice a lot.

Here is my quick version of the jittery cooks Maple Dijon Chicken I posted last week it was soooooo good. She says 3 minutes and it does take 3 minutes to prepare just a little longer to cook but worth it.

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Maple Dijon Chicken 

  • 1 whole      chicken, cut into 8 – I only had two thighs
  • 2 onions,      halved, then sliced – I only used only 1

Maple Dijon Sauce

I always make the about same amount of sauce even when I don’t have as much chicken

I also think the sauce would be great on salmon just thicken it up slight

  • 1/2 c      Dijon mustard – I had some deli mustard with horseradish
  • 1/4 c      maple syrup
  • 2 T      unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1/2 t      kosher salt
  • 1/4 t      freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Mix the sauce ingredients in a 9×13-inch baking dish, then coat the chicken and onions very thoroughly in the sauce. IMG_20140304_171346991

Cook covered for about 60 minutes, then baste and cook uncovered for another 30 or so, until the juices run clear.

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I finished off with the broiler to crisp the skin some more.

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Her recipe Serves 4-6. Freezes well.

Mut Jup Mun Gai Yik or Honey Soy Braised Chicken Wings
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Mut Jup Mun Gai Yik or Honey Soy Braised Chicken Wings

I forgot to add wine to picture

It’s Super Bowl Sunday and I already made the ribs I was going to make hot wings or maybe five spice wings but then I remembered something I have not made in about 13 years since Yale Drive – Mut Jup Mun Gai Yik or Honey Soy Braised Chicken wings. Hey it is Chinese New Year after all. I used to love cooking Asian and have this great book  The complete Asian Cookbook its pages well my favorites all stained with this or that sauce. All I can say is good choices……we could not wait even had some of the stuffed eggplant that Lyn made double mmmm.

Ingredient

  • About 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 2 tablespoon peanut oil (or cooking oil)
  • 1/3 cup  dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoon Chinese wine or 2 tablespoon dry sherry
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
I forgot to add wine to picture

I forgot to add wine to picture

How

Cut each chicken wing into 3 pieces. Discard wing tips or reserve for stock.

Heat oil in wok or skillet and fry joints on high heat for 3-4 minutes, or until browned.

Add soy, honey, wine or sherry, garlic and ginger, stir well.

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Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until tender.

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Stir frequently towards end of cooking and make sure the sweet does not burn.

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Serve warm or room temperature

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Mut Jup Mun Gai Yik or Honey Soy Braised Chicken Wings

Lyn’s stuffed eggplant – I will get the recipe out of her.

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Quick Chicken Thigh Dinner

I’ve had a hell of week at work it is the full moon syndrome as I call it. I do the IT at work supporting 3 branches 4 remote people and the travelers who are in Asia. Anyway I had planes for a couple of chicken thighs but was pretty burnt when I arrived home so I quickly pan seared skin side down for about 4 minutes and turned over and placed pan and all in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Lyn had made some couscous so that was my side.

Quick and easy and good. I love that crispy chicken skin, ya I know no veggies tonight.

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Brown Sugar Basting Glaze – Turkey

I used the buttermilk turkey marinade method, then stuffed it with lemon, oranges garlic and onions and roasted and then brushed on this nice glaze to get not only flavor but that great caramelized color. Make a head gravy is always a must make that last minute prep so much easier.

Ingredients:

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  • 2/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest

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How:

In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, brown sugar, and orange juice to a boil over high, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is syrupy, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons butter and orange zest.

Use this to baste the turkey once it reaches 125 degree every 15 minutes until done. Tent with tinfoil if gets too browned.

We also make a brined turkey the day before so everyone who came could have plenty of leftovers. – just roasted regularly

Related

Buttermilk Turkey (stevesacooking.com)

Maple Syrup and Bacon Turkey (stevesacooking.com)

Make Ahead Gravy (stevesacooking.com)

Reign On Game Day Recipe Week 5: Spicy Southwest Meatloaf Minis
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Reign On Game Day Recipe Week 5: Spicy Southwest Meatloaf Minis

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 1/4 lbs. raw lean ground turkey (7% fat or less)
  • 3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup seeded and finely chopped jalapeño peppers
  • 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)- I used one real egg
  • 1/4 cup frozen sweet corn kernels, thawed
  • 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 3 tbsp. ketchup
  • 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese
  • Optional toppings: salsa, fat-free or light sour cream, hot sauce

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How:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 10 cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with foil baking cups, or spray them with nonstick spray.

Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat. Cook and stir bell pepper and onion until softened and lightly browned, 5 – 7 minutes.

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Transfer cooked veggies to a large bowl. Add all remaining ingredients except ketchup and cheese. Mix thoroughly.

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Evenly distribute mixture among the 10 lined or sprayed cups of the muffin pan. Evenly top with ketchup, about 1 tsp. each. Bake until firm and cooked through with lightly browned edges, about 35 minutes.

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Sprinkle meatloaves with cheese. Bake until cheese has melted, about 2 minutes.

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Eat up!

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From http://www.hungry-girl.com/

Dont’a Touch My Taco and Shredded Chicken Treats
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Dont’a Touch My Taco and Shredded Chicken Treats

Week 3

When watching football you don’t want something that will make you miss that play, instant replay is not quite the same.  While eating these make perfect mouth popping eats or two bites for the ladies. Not only are they easy to eat but quick to make. I kind of threw this together so the measurements are estimated

Loosely based on about 3 recipes I read.

 

Ingredients

1 chicken breast I had ½ rotisserie chicken and I have talked about using left overs

1/2 pound ground beef

Mrs. Dash southwest seasoning

Hot sauce

¼ green or red pepper diced

2-4 tablespoons  chopped cilantro

Pepper to taste

1 package of wonton

Salsa – I used homemade

Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

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How

Preheat oven to 400 degree

Sauté the hamburger with a couple of shakes of Mrs. Dash when cooked add remaining cilantro, peppers, and some hot sauce, mix and set aside

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Using two forks shred the chicken and mix with half the cilantro, peppers, a shake or two of Mrs. Dash and hot sauce, set aside.

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Using mini muffin pan place a wonton wrapper in each cup crimping slightly.

You can use a spoon or as I did my hands and place about 1 tablespoon of chicken mixture in each cup, top with salsa and then shredded cheese . Repeat with second tray and meat mixture.

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Bake at 400 degree  6-8 minutes

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Now plate and eat

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You could do this with BBQ sauce as well…I can taste them now….