Top 10 Holiday Turkey Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Dinner

The holidays always mean family and FOOD! TheIngredients 2 12-Pound WHOLE TURKEYS, fresh or
turkey recipe is key to a good meal. Here are 10 offrozen (thawed)
the top turkey recipes for your holiday meal. TheseAs needed salt and freshly ground black pepper 1
recipes range from traditional to unique and there isLarge lemon, cut in quarters 14 Large fresh sage
even a beginner turkey recipe!leaves 4 Slices multi-grain bread 1 Large Granny Smith
Recipe #1apple, wedged 1 Large sweet onion, wedged 1 Cup
Traditional Oven TurkeyKraft Foods© Recipeunsalted butter, softened 1 Pint water 1 Pint dry sherry
1 frozen turkey (12 lb.), thawed 3 Tbsp. oil 1/2 tsp. salt 11 Pint sparkling apple cider 2/3 Cup flour 1++ Quart
2 tsp. pepper 2 Tbsp. fresh or 2 tsp. dried herbs, suchTURKEY BROTH As needed assorted fresh sage
as thyme, sage or rosemary 3 cups water Thawleaves Roasted Turkeys
turkey completely before grilling. To thaw, place turkey8. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
on tray in refrigerator.9. Rinse and pat turkeys dry, inside and out. Season
Refrigerate until thawed, allowing 24 hours of thawingturkeys inside and out with salt and pepper.
time for every 4 pounds of turkey.10. Place 1 lemon wedge, 1 sage leaf and 1 bread slice
PREHEAT grill to medium-high heat. Remove neck andinto each neck cavity. Fold neck skin under body and
giblets from turkey. Rinse outside of turkey as well asfasten with a skewer.
inside the cavity; pat dry with paper towels. Tuck the11. Fill each body cavity with apples and onions, 3 sage
wings under the back. Place turkey, breast side up, onleaves and remaining lemon wedge and bread slice.
roasting rack in large disposable aluminum foil pan. RUBTruss turkeys.
outside of turkey with oil. Season with salt and pepper.12. Rub turkeys with remaining sage. Spread turkeys
Sprinkle with herbs. Place pan on grate of grill. Addwith butter and arrange on rack in roasting pans.
water to pan, then close the lid of the grill. GRILL turkey13. Roast turkeys in middle of preheated 425 degree F
2 to 2-1/2 hours or until meat thermometer registersoven 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325 degrees
180°F when inserted in the thickest part of theF and baste turkeys with pan juices. Add water to
thigh and 170°F when inserted in the thickest partroasting pan and continue roasting, basting every 20
of the breast, adding additional water to the pan asminutes. Continue to roast 2-1/2 to 3 hours more, or
needed to prevent the drippings from burning and tountil the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F in
have enough liquid remaining in the pan after turkey isthe thigh.
cooked for use in making gravy. Remove turkey from14. Transfer turkeys to carving board, reserving juices
grill; let stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving.in roasting pan; discard string. Keep turkeys warm,
Meanwhile, use pan drippings to make gravy, if desired.covered loosely with foil.
For extra flavor, stuff the turkey cavity with a peeledSherried Cider Gravy
onion, celery stalks, lemon slices and/or fresh herb10. Skim fat from pan juices, reserving 1/2 cup fat.
bundles before grilling.11. On range top, deglaze pan with sherry over
Recipe #2moderately high heat, scraping up brown bits. Stir in
TurduckenFoster Farms© Recipecider.
This is a turkey stuffed with a duck, stuffed with a12. Bring sherry mixture to a boil and remove pan from
chicken layered with dressing.heat.
INGREDIENTS13. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together reserved fat
3 pounds Foster Farms Whole Young Chickensalt andand flour and cook roux over moderately low heat.
pepper to tasteCreole seasoning to taste1 (4 pound)Whisk together for about 3 minutes.
duck, boned16 pounds Foster Farms Fresh Whole14. Add sherry mixture and stock in a stream, whisking
Turkey, bonedto prevent lumping. Simmer, whisking occasionally for
DIRECTIONSabout 10 minutes.
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).15. Whisk in additional stock to thin gravy if desired.
Lay the boned chicken skin-side down on a platter and16. Season gravy with salt and pepper.
season liberally with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning.17. Discard the cavity ingredients before serving.
Lay the boned duck skin-side down on top of theGarnish turkey with sage.
chicken and season liberally with salt, pepper and18. NOTE: Provides 32-34 servings at 6 ounces per
Creole seasoning. Cover and refrigerate.portion.
2. Lay the boned turkey skin-side down on a flatRecipe #7
surface. Cover with a layer of cold Sausage andCAJUN DEEP-FRIED WILD TURKEY
Oyster Dressing and push the dressing into the leg andRecipe from John Maynard (Courtesy of NWTF)
wing cavities so they will look as if they still have1 (10-15 lb.) unstuffed turkey 5 gallons peanut oil 2 tbsp.
bones in them.Cajun seasoning 1 stick butter or margarine 1/2 tsp.
3. Lay the duck on top of the turkey skin-side downgarlic powder 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional) Pour
and cover it with a layer of cold dressing. Lay thepeanut oil into a 10 gallon pot. Put pot on propane
chicken on top of the duck skin-side down and cover itcooker and heat oil to 375 degrees. Have turkey
with a layer of cold dressing.completely thawed and dry turkey thoroughly. Tie two
4. With the help of an assistant, bring the edges of thecotton strings around the carcass so bird can be easily
turkey skin up and fasten them together withlifted out of oil. Carefully submerge turkey in oil. Deep
toothpicks. Use the kitchen string to lace around thefry for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes per pound and cook until
toothpicks to help hold the stuffed turkey together.turkey floats to the top. Remove bird from oil, and
Carefully place the turducken, breast up in a largeimmediately dust heavily with cajun seasoning. Melt
roasting pan.butter or margarine, and add to it garlic powder and
5. Roast covered for 4 hours or until the turducken iscayenne, if desired. Brush turkey with butter mixture.
golden brown. Continue to roast uncovered for 1 hourAllow to cool 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Yield 12
or until a meat thermometer inserted through the thighto 16 servings.
registers 180 degrees F. and a thermometer insertedRecipe #8
through the stuffing registers 165 degrees F. Check theHoney Smoked Turkey
turducken every few hours to baste and removeSweet and light, this is the easiest way to cook a big
excess liquid. There will be enough pan juices for abird! It will be the best turkey you have ever had. The
gallon of gravy. Carve and serve.breast is moist and juicy, and the honey makes a
Recipe #3great thin sauce. I hope you enjoy it as much as my
Holiday Champagne TurkeyFoster Farms©friends and family do when I make it. I never have any
Recipe Summaryleftovers! Enjoy!
A bottle of champagne is the secret to this moistINGREDIENTS
turkey stuffed with apples and baked in an oven bag.1 (12 pound) Fresh Whole Turkey
INGREDIENTS2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 (12 pound) Foster Farms Fresh Whole Turkey, neck2 tablespoons ground black pepper
and giblets removed2 tablespoons celery salt
1/2 cup butter, cubed2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 apples, cored and halved2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon garlic powdersalt and pepper to taste1 (12 ounce) jar honey
2/3 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne1/2 pound mesquite wood chips
DIRECTIONSDIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).1. Preheat grill for high heat. If you are using a charcoal
2. Rinse turkey, and pat dry. Gently loosen turkeygrill, use about twice the normal amount of charcoal.
breast skin, and insert pieces of butter between theSoak wood chips in a pan of water, and set next to
skin and breast. Place apples inside the turkey's cavity.the grill.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place2. Remove neck and giblets from turkey. Rinse the bird
turkey in a roasting bag, and pour champagne over theand pat dry. Place in a large disposable roasting pan.
inside and outside of the bird. Close bag, and place3. In a medium bowl, mix together sage, ground black
turkey in a roasting pan.pepper, celery salt, basil, and vegetable oil. Pour mixture
3. Bake turkey 3 to 3 1/2 hours in the preheated oven,evenly over the turkey. Turn the turkey breast side
or until the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (85down in the pan, and tent loosely with aluminum foil.
degrees C) when measured in the meatiest part of4. Place the roasting pan on the preheated grill. Throw
the thigh. Remove turkey from bag, and let stand fora handful of the wood chips onto the coals. Close the
at least 20 minutes before carving.lid, and cook for 1 hour.
Recipe #45. Throw about 2 more handfuls of soaked wood
Perfect TurkeySummarychips on the fire. Drizzle 1/2 the honey over the bird,
This is a perfect recipe for a moist, flavorful holidayand replace the foil. Close the lid of the grill, and
bird! Plan the time to brine the bird overnight - it's worthcontinue cooking 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until internal
the extra effort!temperature reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) in
INGREDIENTSthe thickest part of the thigh.
1 (18 pound) Foster Farms Fresh Whole Turkey, neck6. Uncover turkey, and carefully turn it breast side up in
and giblets removedthe roasting pan. Baste with remaining honey. Leave
2 cups kosher saltthe turkey uncovered, and cook 15 minutes. The
1/2 cup butter, meltedcooked honey will be very dark.
2 large onions, peeled and choppedRecipe # 9
4 carrots, peeled and choppedMaple Roast Turkey and Gravy
4 stalks celery, choppedA New England style turkey with maple syrup. It
2 sprigs fresh thymemakes for a mellow Thanksgiving dinner. Try stuffing it
1 bay leaf1 cup dry white winewith Cranberry, Sausage and Apple Stuffing. If fresh
DIRECTIONSmarjoram is unavailable, 2 teaspoons of dried
1. Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt.marjoram may be substituted.
Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with coldINGREDIENTSTurkey
water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to14 pounds Fresh Whole Turkey, neck and giblets
soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, orreserved
overnight.2 cups chopped onion1 cup chopped celery
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).1 cup coarsely chopped carrots
Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brineMaple Butter Mixutre
mixture.2 cups apple cider
3. Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place1/3 cup real maple syrup
breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/22 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram
the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the2 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme3/4 cup butteralt and ground black pepper to taste
around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover withGravy
the white wine.2 cups chicken stock
4. Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the1 bay leaf
turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting2 tablespoons apple brandy (optional)
time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the birdDIRECTIONS
to stand about 30 minutes before carving.1. Boil apple cider and maple syrup in a heavy
Recipe #5saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/2
Latino Lime Glazed Turkey with Chipotle Gravycup (about 20 minutes). Remove from heat and mix in
Recipe by: Chef/GM Chris Ottens of Novell, a Bon1/2 of the thyme and marjoram and all of the lemon
Appetit Management Co.zest. Add the butter, and whisk until melted. Add salt
Citrus Glazeand ground pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until
3/4 Cup unsalted buttercold (syrup can be made up to 2 days ahead).
1/2 Cup honey2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4 Tablespoons orange zestPlace oven rack in the lowest third of oven.
4 Tablespoons lime zest3. Wash and dry turkey, and place in a large roasting
2 Tablespoons fresh thyme, choppedpan. Slide hand under skin of the breast to loosen. Rub
4 Teaspoons canned chipotle chilies, chopped1/2 cup of the maple butter mix under the breast skin.
1 Tablespoon ground cuminIf planning on stuffing turkey, do so now. Rub 1/4 cup
1 Teaspoon saltof the maple butter mixture over the outside of the
Over medium heat, melt butter in heavy saucepan.turkey. With kitchen string, tie legs of turkey together
Remove pan from heat and stir in honey, orange andloosely.
lime zests, thyme, chilies, cumin and salt.4. Arrange the chopped onion, chopped celery, and
Measure 1/2 cup glaze and reserve for gravy.chopped carrot around the turkey in the roasting pan. If
Cover and chill remaining liquid in freezer for about 30desired, the neck and giblets may be added to the
minutes or until liquid begins to turn firm but is stillvegetables. Sprinkle the remaining thyme and
spreadable.marjoram over the vegetables, and pour the chicken
Vegetablesstock into the pan.
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter5. Roast turkey 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
4-1/2 Cups chopped sweet onionsReduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175
1 Packet giblets (turkey neck, gizzard and heart)degrees C), and cover turkey loosely with foil. Continue
2 Cups coarsely chopped peeled carrotsto roast, about 3 to 4 hours unstuffed or 4 to 5 hours
2 Cups coarsely chopped celery (with leaves)stuffed, until the internal temperature of the thigh
1-1/2 Cups chopped plum tomatoesreaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) and stuffing
Over medium-high heat, melt butter in large nonstickreaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). Transfer
pan. Add onions and reserved turkey parts. Saute untilturkey to a platter, and cover with foil. Reserve pan
onions are deep brown. Add carrots, celery andmixture for gravy. Allow turkey to sit about 25 minutes
tomatoes to skillet and toss to blend.before removing stuffing and carving.
Glazed Turkey6. To Make Gravy: Strain pan juices into a measuring
22 to 24-pound WHOLE TURKEY, fresh or frozencup. Spoon fat from juices. Add enough chicken stock
(thawed) 9 Cups TURKEY STOCK Set a small rackto make 3 cups. Transfer liquid to a heavy saucepan
in a large shallow roasting pan and place cookedand bring to a boil. In a small bowl, mix reserved maple
vegetables with turkey parts around rack. Blot turkeybutter mixture with flour to form a paste, and whisk
dry with paper towels. At the neck end, gently looseninto the broth. Stir in thyme, bay leaf, and apple brandy.
skin from the turkey breast without totally detachingBoil until reduced and slightly thickened. Season with
the skin. Rub 1/2-cup citrus glaze under skin. Replacesalt and pepper to taste.
the skin. Fold neck skin and fasten to the back withRecipe #10
skewers. Fold the wings under the back of the turkey.Easy Beginner's Turkey with Stuffing
Return legs to tucked position. Place turkey, breastThis easy to make turkey is great for beginners, but
side up, on the rack. Brush an additional 1/3-cup citrusexperts will find it equally delicious. Adjust the cooking
glaze over top and sides of turkey. Reserve anytime for different sized birds.
remaining glaze. Sprinkle turkey with salt and pepper.INGREDIENTS
Loosely tent the turkey and roast turkey in a12 pounds Fresh Whole Turkey2 tablespoons
preheated 400 degree F oven for 30 minutes. Addvegetable oil
1-cup poultry broth to pan and reduce ovenStuffing Mix
temperature to 350 degrees F. Secure foil snugly1 (6 ounce) package dry bread stuffing mix1 cup
around turkey and continue to roast for 1-1/4 hours.water1 tablespoon butter1 cup chopped celery1/4 cup
The foil will prevent the honey-coated turkey fromchopped onion4 slices toasted white bread, torn into
excessive browning. Add 1-cup poultry broth to pansmall piecessalt and pepper to taste
every 30 minutes until turkey reaches an internalDIRECTIONS
temperature of 180 degrees F in the thigh. Remove1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
the foil during the last 15-20 minutes to brown theRinse turkey, remove giblets and place in a shallow
turkey. Remove turkey from the oven and allow it toroasting pan.
stand for 20 minutes before carving.2. Prepare stuffing according to package directions.
Chipotle GravyMix in water.
1/2 Cup flour 1 Cup TURKEY STOCK Strain pan3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium
drippings, pressing vegetables to extract liquid. Discardheat, and slowly cook and stir the celery and onion until
solids in strainer. Spoon fat from top of juices andtender.
discard fat. Add enough broth to pan juices to equal 64. Mix celery, onion, and toasted bread pieces into the
cups. Stir reserved 1/2-cup citrus glaze in heavy largestuffing, and season with salt and pepper. Loosely
saucepan over medium heat until melted. Graduallyscoop stuffing into the turkey body cavity and neck
add flour and whisk 1 minute, allowing flour to slightlycavity. Rub the exterior of the turkey with vegetable
brown. Gradually whisk in pan juices. Bring to gentle boil,oil.
whisking until smooth. Reduce heat to medium; simmer5. Loosely cover turkey with aluminum foil, and roast 3
until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the thickest
gravy with salt and pepper.part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees
Recipe #6C) and the interior of the stuffing reaches 165 degrees
Holiday Turkey with Sage and Sherried Cider GravyF (70 degrees C). Remove foil during the last half hour
Recipe provided by Volk Enterprises, Inc.of cooking to brown the bird.