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NFT: Thanksgiving- What are you eating?

Bill in UT : 11/23/2021 12:00 am
Disclaimer- my wife cooks for about 5 holidays during the year and Thanksgiving is one of them. So I'm mostly a bystander. She's doing sweet potato casserole, peas and pancetta, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cherry pie and pumpkin cheesecake. She lets me make the turkey and gravy, so I'll stick to that. I've been doing a spatchcocked turkey from Serious Eats for several years which I love. Tastes great, way less time cooking. Also do a make-ahead gravy from American Test Kitchens.

Crisp-Skinned Spatchcocked (Butterflied) Roast Turkey

Day before, spatchcock turkey. Use neck and backbone for make ahead gravy. Sprinkle turkey with salt and baking powder, put on roasting rack, and leave in fridge for 24 hours, uncovered.

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan with aluminum foil.

Transfer turkey to oven and roast until an instant read thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the breast registers 145°F, and the thighs register at least 165°F, about 75 minutes.


Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy:

Ingedients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Reserved turkey neck and backbone
1 onion, chopped
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
4 sprigs fresh thyme (see note)
1 bay leaf
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour OR
use cornstarch slurry instead of flour/butter

SAUTÉ AND SOFTEN Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cut backbone into pieces. Brown giblets (minus the liver) backbone,and neck for 5 minutes. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.


SIMMER AND SKIM Turn heat to high, add chicken broth and water, scrape pan bottom, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, add herbs, and simmer for about 30 minutes, skimming if needed.


STRAIN AND COOL Pour broth through fine-mesh strainer. Discard solids. Broth can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 2 days.


MAKE ROUX Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook, whisking constantly, until honey-colored and fragrant, about 4 minutes.


ADD BROTH Bring reserved turkey broth to simmer and add to pan, a little at a time, whisking constantly. Simmer gravy, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Set aside, covered, until turkey is done. (Gravy can be refrigerated, covered, for 1 day.)

DEFAT AND FINISH Scrape up bits in roasting pan and pour drippings into fat separator. Reheat gravy over medium heat until bubbling. Add defatted drippings. Simmer for 2 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with turkey.

Finally, if anyone is still carving a turkey on the bone, here's the correct way to carve a turkey

Link - ( New Window )
Hopefully a Bears lose.  
St. Jimmy : 11/23/2021 12:08 am : link
.
A Comparison:  
Dennis : 11/23/2021 12:08 am : link
Bill, it sounds fantastic.
If only Daniel Jones could play football the way you cook.
Best wishes to you for Thanksgiving.
really?  
kennyd : 11/23/2021 12:10 am : link
now?
RE: really?  
Jalapeno : 11/23/2021 12:20 am : link
In comment 15463167 kennyd said:
Quote:
now?


The timing of this is actually perfect and made me look forward to Thursday instead of dreading Tuesday.

Tha k you as always Bill.
RE: really?  
Bill in UT : 11/23/2021 12:29 am : link
In comment 15463167 kennyd said:
Quote:
now?


yes, now. You can't wait until Thursday to decide what you're going to make
RE: A Comparison:  
Bill in UT : 11/23/2021 12:30 am : link
In comment 15463163 Dennis said:
Quote:
Bill, it sounds fantastic.
If only Daniel Jones could play football the way you cook.
Best wishes to you for Thanksgiving.


Thanks, Dennis. To you and yours also
Thanks for the gravy recipe  
jamalduff123 : 11/23/2021 2:24 am : link
On my drive home today I was thinking "I should find a make ahead gravy recipe, so I don't have to stress when I should be entertaining our guests."
going to my sister's this year. my mom can't make the trip from L.I.  
Victor in CT : 11/23/2021 8:31 am : link
anymore. but my wife is making my grandmothers spinach/sausage/sweet potato stuffing. if we were home i'd make my roasted chestnut soup.

Happy Thanksgiving Bill. love these threads
RE: Thanks for the gravy recipe  
Bill in UT : 11/23/2021 8:31 am : link
In comment 15463252 jamalduff123 said:
Quote:
On my drive home today I was thinking "I should find a make ahead gravy recipe, so I don't have to stress when I should be entertaining our guests."


yeah, waiting until the turkey was done to start the gravy always made me nuts.
My favorite one on the calendar!  
Mdgiantsfan : 11/23/2021 8:39 am : link
I'm deep frying a turkey. I typically also smoke one, but I'm being lazy this year:). Also having a southern Maryland staple which is a stuffed ham.
We all did a final vote on the menu last night and  
Jimmy Googs : 11/23/2021 9:40 am : link
it came down to this. In addition to the oven roasted turkey that is being dry-brined right now...

Appetizers
* Deviled eggs
* Cheese board
* Champagne

Dinner
* Corned bread jalapeno stuffing
* Macaroni & cheese with chorizo
* Mashed potatoes (white)
* Roasted brussels sprouts
* Cranberry dressing w/cognac (cold)
* Dinner rolls

Dessert
* We are making two Pecan pies, and our neighbors are making two Pumpkin Chiffon pies. And then we are going to have them over and share it all with coffee or other alternative beverages (bourbon).

Happy Thanksgiving...
Bill -  
I Love Clams Casino : 11/23/2021 10:00 am : link
going to family in Easton PA....I will contribute the mashed taters.

Whether we cook here in NJ or not, I always smoke a breast. Smoked turkey is a treat like no other. I challenge any "fryer" on moisture and flavor.

Anybody who tries it tells me that it's the best turkey they have ever eaten, bar none.

RE: going to my sister's this year. my mom can't make the trip from L.I.  
Bill in UT : 11/23/2021 6:53 pm : link
In comment 15463496 Victor in CT said:
Quote:
anymore. but my wife is making my grandmothers spinach/sausage/sweet potato stuffing. if we were home i'd make my roasted chestnut soup.

Happy Thanksgiving Bill. love these threads


It's great to have family recipes passed on thru generations. Have a great Thanksgiving, Victor
RE: My favorite one on the calendar!  
Bill in UT : 11/23/2021 6:53 pm : link
In comment 15463516 Mdgiantsfan said:
Quote:
I'm deep frying a turkey. I typically also smoke one, but I'm being lazy this year:). Also having a southern Maryland staple which is a stuffed ham.


Be careful with that deep fryer :)
RE: We all did a final vote on the menu last night and  
Bill in UT : 11/23/2021 6:55 pm : link
In comment 15463689 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
it came down to this. In addition to the oven roasted turkey that is being dry-brined right now...

Appetizers
* Deviled eggs
* Cheese board
* Champagne

Dinner
* Corned bread jalapeno stuffing
* Macaroni & cheese with chorizo
* Mashed potatoes (white)
* Roasted brussels sprouts
* Cranberry dressing w/cognac (cold)
* Dinner rolls

Dessert
* We are making two Pecan pies, and our neighbors are making two Pumpkin Chiffon pies. And then we are going to have them over and share it all with coffee or other alternative beverages (bourbon).

Happy Thanksgiving...


Jimmy, if I'm ever in Atlanta, I'm coming by for dinner. I wish I could be like you :)
We have a big crowd coming  
montanagiant : 11/23/2021 7:03 pm : link
So I'm also doing a spatchcocked turkey but on the smoker, I'm injecting it with a mix of butter, duck fat, and spices.

Have a 10lb prime rib roast (beef prices are absurd lately) that I am dry aging as we speak. I use the 5 mins per pound at 500 degrees system in that the rib roast is cooked at 500 degrees for 50 mins and then the oven is turned off and left alone for 2 hours and 15 mins. I've done this 3 times before and it comes out a perfect rare-med rare every time.

Wife is making:
Cranberry/apple chutney

Sausage and sage dressing

Chocolate/Peanutbutter cheesecake

Strawberry/rhubarb cobbler

Daughter, son, and all their friends are doing other side dishes and a Charcuterie board for earlier in the day
RE: going to my sister's this year. my mom can't make the trip from L.I.  
montanagiant : 11/23/2021 7:11 pm : link
In comment 15463496 Victor in CT said:
Quote:
anymore. but my wife is making my grandmothers spinach/sausage/sweet potato stuffing. if we were home i'd make my roasted chestnut soup.

Happy Thanksgiving Bill. love these threads

That stuffing sounds delicious
RE: RE: going to my sister's this year. my mom can't make the trip from L.I.  
Victor in CT : 11/24/2021 7:39 am : link
In comment 15465416 montanagiant said:
Quote:
In comment 15463496 Victor in CT said:


Quote:


anymore. but my wife is making my grandmothers spinach/sausage/sweet potato stuffing. if we were home i'd make my roasted chestnut soup.

Happy Thanksgiving Bill. love these threads


That stuffing sounds delicious


It is as good as it sounds!
RE: RE: We all did a final vote on the menu last night and  
Jimmy Googs : 11/24/2021 9:02 am : link
In comment 15465398 Bill in UT said:
Quote:
In comment 15463689 Jimmy Googs said:


Quote:


it came down to this. In addition to the oven roasted turkey that is being dry-brined right now...

Appetizers
* Deviled eggs
* Cheese board
* Champagne

Dinner
* Corned bread jalapeno stuffing
* Macaroni & cheese with chorizo
* Mashed potatoes (white)
* Roasted brussels sprouts
* Cranberry dressing w/cognac (cold)
* Dinner rolls

Dessert
* We are making two Pecan pies, and our neighbors are making two Pumpkin Chiffon pies. And then we are going to have them over and share it all with coffee or other alternative beverages (bourbon).

Happy Thanksgiving...



Jimmy, if I'm ever in Atlanta, I'm coming by for dinner. I wish I could be like you :)


Ha, bill the door is always open!

Like you though I hardly do any of the cooking during the big holidays. In the whole list above, I am in charge of one single thing...the mac n cheese. My wife and the girls are doing the rest.

Although I did a bunch of the shopping and will carve the turkey. and probable a lot of the dishes :-)
RE: RE: Thanks for the gravy recipe  
section125 : 11/24/2021 11:20 am : link
In comment 15463497 Bill in UT said:
Quote:
In comment 15463252 jamalduff123 said:


Quote:


On my drive home today I was thinking "I should find a make ahead gravy recipe, so I don't have to stress when I should be entertaining our guests."



yeah, waiting until the turkey was done to start the gravy always made me nuts.


I will only make the gravy after cooking the turkey(or roast). I need the drippings in the pan, using the boiled giblets soup in place of water(except for corn starch mix). Plenty of time to make the gravy while the turkey is standing before carving, IMHO.

Thanks for all your recipes Bill. I do appreciate your insights.
Bill  
Gatorade Dunk : 11/24/2021 11:21 am : link
Can you either start a blog or write a cookbook? I look forward to all of your recipes!
RE: We have a big crowd coming  
Bill in UT : 11/24/2021 8:39 pm : link
In comment 15465407 montanagiant said:
Quote:
So I'm also doing a spatchcocked turkey but on the smoker, I'm injecting it with a mix of butter, duck fat, and spices.

Have a 10lb prime rib roast (beef prices are absurd lately) that I am dry aging as we speak. I use the 5 mins per pound at 500 degrees system in that the rib roast is cooked at 500 degrees for 50 mins and then the oven is turned off and left alone for 2 hours and 15 mins. I've done this 3 times before and it comes out a perfect rare-med rare every time.

Wife is making:
Cranberry/apple chutney

Sausage and sage dressing

Chocolate/Peanutbutter cheesecake

Strawberry/rhubarb cobbler

Daughter, son, and all their friends are doing other side dishes and a Charcuterie board for earlier in the day


Looks like a great menu, Monty. I've done that shut off the oven thing a couple of times, and it came out good, but it still makes me nervous :)
RE: RE: RE: Thanks for the gravy recipe  
Bill in UT : 11/24/2021 8:44 pm : link
In comment 15466077 section125 said:
Quote:
In comment 15463497 Bill in UT said:


Quote:


In comment 15463252 jamalduff123 said:


Quote:


On my drive home today I was thinking "I should find a make ahead gravy recipe, so I don't have to stress when I should be entertaining our guests."



yeah, waiting until the turkey was done to start the gravy always made me nuts.



I will only make the gravy after cooking the turkey(or roast). I need the drippings in the pan, using the boiled giblets soup in place of water(except for corn starch mix). Plenty of time to make the gravy while the turkey is standing before carving, IMHO.Thanks for all your recipes Bill. I do appreciate your insights.


Thanks 125. I've got my turkey butterflied and cold brining. Used the backbone, neck and giblets to make my stock and made my gravy today. I used a cornstarch slurry rather than a roux cause my dtr and sil are gluten free. I'll add in the turkey dripping tomorrow when I reheat it.
RE: Bill  
Bill in UT : 11/24/2021 8:46 pm : link
In comment 15466081 Gatorade Dunk said:
Quote:
Can you either start a blog or write a cookbook? I look forward to all of your recipes!


I've only got about a a dozen people looking in here, so I don't see a blog in my future. Plus, I've always said I'm a cook, not a chef. Almost all my recipes a borrowed from great chefs who post on the net.
As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches  
Bill in UT : 11/24/2021 8:48 pm : link
I'd like to wish great food, great companionship and great football to everyone tomorrow
Liquid bread tonight.  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 11/24/2021 8:53 pm : link
Haha. Waiting in Charlotte airport bar for flight to EWR.
RE: Liquid bread tonight.  
Bill in UT : 11/24/2021 8:57 pm : link
In comment 15466742 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:
Quote:
Haha. Waiting in Charlotte airport bar for flight to EWR.


Who would think EWR was Newark? Have a safe and prompt flight, and a great holiday. As long as you're not the pilot, have as much bread as you'd like :)
RE: Bill  
Grey Pilgrim : 11/25/2021 3:04 am : link
In comment 15466081 Gatorade Dunk said:
Quote:
Can you either start a blog or write a cookbook? I look forward to all of your recipes!


This!
Standard menu for me, just a lot of it.  
smshmth8690 : 11/25/2021 8:42 am : link
Roast Turkey
Smoked Turkey
Sausage Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Roast Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Butternut Squash
Collard Greens
Two types of Gravy
Cranberry Sauce & Cranberry Chutney

I cook a lot of food, because I like to give everyone leftovers to take home.
I have 3 20 lb. turkeys, for about 12 people. I de-bone all of the turkeys, roast the bones, and make stock.

I use the stock to make the gravy, and use it to moisten the stuffing. I never cook the stuffing inside of the turkey, for all the usual reasons. (dry turkey, and time) I moisten the stuffing with the stock, and then lay the boneless thighs on top of it all, dot it with shallot & herb butter and bake. The dark meat & stuffing usually is done in an about two hours. In another pan I bake 4 breasts on top of a bed of vegetables, with the same herb butter, they usually are done in about and hour & 15 minutes.

I just realized that forgot to brine the turkey that I am going to smoke. I usually make a cider brine. I'm going to smoke all 6 legs, and all six drum wings, along with 2 of the boneless breasts. I'm going to dry rub them with a red chile rub, and smoke them over pecan pellets.

Dessert is Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, and Chocolate Cream Pie.

No wine drinkers, but we do have bourbon. Looking forward to cracking open a bottle of Weller Full Proof that I picked up last week.

Happy Thanksgiving BBI!
Weller Full Proof  
Jimmy Googs : 11/25/2021 9:11 am : link
is damn good bourbon.

Happy Thanksgiving indeed!
RE: Standard menu for me, just a lot of it.  
Bill in UT : 11/25/2021 2:49 pm : link
In comment 15466910 smshmth8690 said:
Quote:
Roast Turkey
Smoked Turkey
Sausage Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Roast Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Butternut Squash
Collard Greens
Two types of Gravy
Cranberry Sauce & Cranberry Chutney

I cook a lot of food, because I like to give everyone leftovers to take home.
I have 3 20 lb. turkeys, for about 12 people. I de-bone all of the turkeys, roast the bones, and make stock.

I use the stock to make the gravy, and use it to moisten the stuffing. I never cook the stuffing inside of the turkey, for all the usual reasons. (dry turkey, and time) I moisten the stuffing with the stock, and then lay the boneless thighs on top of it all, dot it with shallot & herb butter and bake. The dark meat & stuffing usually is done in an about two hours. In another pan I bake 4 breasts on top of a bed of vegetables, with the same herb butter, they usually are done in about and hour & 15 minutes.

I just realized that forgot to brine the turkey that I am going to smoke. I usually make a cider brine. I'm going to smoke all 6 legs, and all six drum wings, along with 2 of the boneless breasts. I'm going to dry rub them with a red chile rub, and smoke them over pecan pellets.

Dessert is Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, and Chocolate Cream Pie.

No wine drinkers, but we do have bourbon. Looking forward to cracking open a bottle of Weller Full Proof that I picked up last week.

Happy Thanksgiving BBI!


Lotta stuff there, Drew, but I guess you're used to cooking for big groups. 2 ovens and a 6-burner stove? 12 guests and none are wine drinkers? What are the odds of that? Unless you're hosting your bourbon club :)
We're making  
Grey Pilgrim : 11/25/2021 3:58 pm : link
Roasted Turkey Roulade by Ina Garten

and

Smashed sweet potatoes also by Ina

Can't really go wrong with her recipes!

Also, homemade Pumpkin Praline Pie (A family recipe)
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-turkey-roulade-recipe-1957892 - ( New Window )
One more...  
Grey Pilgrim : 11/25/2021 3:58 pm : link
...
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/smashed-sweet-potatoes-recipe-1940513 - ( New Window )
RE: We're making  
Bill in UT : 11/25/2021 4:40 pm : link
In comment 15467153 Grey Pilgrim said:
Quote:
Roasted Turkey Roulade by Ina Garten

and

Smashed sweet potatoes also by Ina

Can't really go wrong with her recipes!


You sound like Jeffrey :) Enjoy it

I went with…  
Brown_Hornet : 11/25/2021 4:40 pm : link
…panang curry and pad thai.

So good!
RE: RE: We're making  
Grey Pilgrim : 11/25/2021 4:42 pm : link
In comment 15467172 Bill in UT said:
Quote:
In comment 15467153 Grey Pilgrim said:


Quote:


Roasted Turkey Roulade by Ina Garten

and

Smashed sweet potatoes also by Ina

Can't really go wrong with her recipes!




You sound like Jeffrey :) Enjoy it


We'll try!

lol
RE: I went with…  
Bill in UT : 11/25/2021 4:46 pm : link
In comment 15467173 Brown_Hornet said:
Quote:
…panang curry and pad thai.

So good!


Did you do turkey instead of chicken?
RE: RE: We're making  
Grey Pilgrim : 11/25/2021 4:48 pm : link
In comment 15467172 Bill in UT said:
Quote:
In comment 15467153 Grey Pilgrim said:


Quote:


Roasted Turkey Roulade by Ina Garten

and

Smashed sweet potatoes also by Ina

Can't really go wrong with her recipes!




You sound like Jeffrey :) Enjoy it


Try this as well! Truly awesome!
Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce - ( New Window )
RE: RE: RE: We're making  
Bill in UT : 11/25/2021 4:52 pm : link
In comment 15467179 Grey Pilgrim said:
Quote:
In comment 15467172 Bill in UT said:


Quote:


In comment 15467153 Grey Pilgrim said:


Quote:


Roasted Turkey Roulade by Ina Garten

and

Smashed sweet potatoes also by Ina

Can't really go wrong with her recipes!




You sound like Jeffrey :) Enjoy it




Try this as well! Truly awesome! Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce - ( New Window )


Thanks, but I never make cranberry sauce, and I'm smart enough not to tell my wife that she should consider a different recipe :)
LOL!  
Grey Pilgrim : 11/25/2021 4:53 pm : link
Happy Thanksgiving Bill! Hope you have a great one!
RE: LOL!  
Bill in UT : 11/25/2021 6:02 pm : link
In comment 15467184 Grey Pilgrim said:
Quote:
Happy Thanksgiving Bill! Hope you have a great one!


You too, GP
RE: RE: I went with…  
Brown_Hornet : 11/26/2021 12:20 am : link
In comment 15467177 Bill in UT said:
Quote:
In comment 15467173 Brown_Hornet said:


Quote:


…panang curry and pad thai.

So good!



Did you do turkey instead of chicken?

Ha, no just chix.
I may do a breast of Turkey so I can have leftover sandwiches this weekend.
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