Holiday Turkey with Homemade Bread Dressing
Cooking the Best Turkey and Recipe for Walnut-Apple Dressing
Nov 6, 2009
There is nothing better than sitting down to a family dinner with turkey and dressing. The smells of the home bring excitement and happiness, as Papa carves the turkey and passes the steaming slices of meat around the table.
As Mom spoons on that delicious bread dressing that is crusty with walnuts and apples oozing out of the bread. It appears Mama worked for days on this wonderful meal, but actually it was easier than anyone knows.
How to Prepare a Turkey
- After purchasing the perfect size turkey, thaw the turkey in the refrigerator for one to two days. When the turkey is defrosted completely, wash the turkey well. Pat Dry with some paper towels
- Preheat a oven to 325 degrees.
- Melt some butter on top of the stove. With the melted butter, spread the butter all over the turkey inside and out. Season the turkey with some salt and pepper.
- On the inside of the turkey, place a half of stick of butter and some fresh sage leaves (optional).
- Place the turkey in a shallow baking pan and tuck the wings under the bird, with the breast side up. Make sure to secure the legs together also. (some turkeys have a turkey lifter included. If this is included, place under the turkey before beginning).
- Place a small amount of water in the bottom of the pan.
- Using a brush or spoon, pour the drippings over the turkey skin periodically.
- Place the turkey in the oven and cook until the bird is 2/3 the way done or starting to be golden brown on top.
- Place a tent of foil on top of the bird.
- After the turkey is finished cooking, let rest 30-40 minutes before carving.
Note: Here are picture directions for another turkey recipe, plus cooking times.
Walnut-Apple Bread Dressing for the Holidays
- 1 cup of onions, chopped
- 3/4 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 cups of apples, peeled and chopped in small pieces
- 1/4 cup of shallots, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon of butter
- 2 cups of chicken stock
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic or roasted garlic in the oven (place a bulb of garlic in a preheated 350 degrees oven for 20 minutes, until soft)
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme
- 1 Tablespoon chives
- 1 Tablespoon of basil
- 4 cups of diced bread croutons
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Bread Dressing
- Pour all the ingredients over the cubed bread and mix well.
- Place in a buttered baking dish and bake in a 350 degree oven, until the bread is crispy and browned.
- Put the butter in a large skillet and melt.
- Add in the onions, apples, shallots and celery. Stir until tender.
- Add in the chicken stock (or turkey stock) and simmer for one half hour.
- Add the remaining spices and ingredients except the bread. Cook for a few minutes more.
A holiday is never complete without a large piece of Apple pie a'la mode or a huge slice of pumpkin pie with whip cream. Then later on in the day, after the parades and the football game is over, how about some good old pecan pie for a scrumptious snack.
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