The return of the dreaded 11 Commandments of a THANKSGIVING DINNER

CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | Nov. 17 2005 | Carlo3b, Dad, Chef, Author

[carlo3b]

The 11 Commandments of a THANKSGIVING DINNER

          To-Do's, to make your Holiday brighter..

1) Make a list and check it twice.. Plan your menu in advance, and for heaven sakes write it down.. Pull out the recipes and jot down the ingredients and check to see if you have everything on hand to complete the meal without having to run to the store at the last minute.. Be sure to check the expiration date on spices and milks and dated stuff..
There isn't a good time on the day of a big dinner to run to any store, and the Big guy is usually busy doing Big Guy stuff, with the remote.. sigh.. Make the list of all needed items such as utensils dishes napkins.. etc. For example, next to the specific food, put the dish in which it will be served. Don’t forget decorations, candles, linen, anything you can think of. Something to keep in mind, but only as a guide, Who is on What special Diet?

2) Buy only what you really need.. such as the right size of a Turkey, Ham, Roast, Lasagna, Goose, Peacock.  The bigger is not always the better. Take into account everything that is being served, including anything that is coming from your invited guests, before considering what size main dish, or dishes you are thinking of purchasing.
There is some consideration that should be given to leftovers in your calculations for sure, but think about refrigerator space in the pre preparation and leftovers. With Turkey, the rule of thumb for portions is, 1 pound per person, and 1 cup of dressing per. If eight people are coming to dinner, a 10 to 12-pound bird will do just fine and still provide leftovers.
If you do as we do in our family, you are going to serve 2-3 popular entrees, (Turkey, Ham, Lasagna) you had better remember the last time you had to throw good food away because it was too much to freeze and not everyone wanted all those leftovers to take with them when they left. Consider buying just a breast of turkey instead of the whole turkey. If your family doesn't like dark meat, why waste it? A breast will be faster and easier to cook and carve, and you can still make all of the trimmings. You've not going to pay any attention to me on this  are you? OK go buy BIG BIRD.. whatever..:)

3) Think of the BIG PICTURE when planning what, and how many side dishes you intend to make. I understand that everyone has their own favorite specialty that you make, but do you have to make them all on the same day? If you are going to have leftovers, DUH, plan on making some of those favorites on a subsequent dinner with one of the special leftover recipes that you can prepare. Having a new side dish will make that easier meal so much more special with a favored specialty..

4) Don't be afraid to ask your guests to bring along something for the meal.  Perhaps their favorite side dish or dessert. Specialty breads and rolls come to mind. Those are some of the hardest things to do at the last minute because of the oven space, and don't be shy about suggesting to provide the recipe for a great accompanying bread that complements your planned dinner.. Cornbread comes to mind, or homemade Tiramisu. This is a really great idea for more than the obvious reason, it provides the family or friend with being part of the meal that they can share, and further answers that age old question (if anyone asks it any more) what should I bring to the party.

5) What to drink has to be brought up early in the planning. We usually serve something, a) before dinner, b) with dinner, c) and for sure after dinner, d) and sometimes after, after dinner.. The KISS system is a great idea when planning this stage of the party. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID, is a great gage on what exactly to plan ahead. I mentioned STAGE not by accident. Too much alcohol can and does screw up an otherwise great party. This is a party for everyone, and keeping it light is your responsibility, handle it with forethought.
Special holiday beverages are usually less about booze, and more about celebrating, so get and keep the party fun.. Egg nog, Holiday Wassil, homemade Kahlua ..etc, works wonders and all can be made well in advance. Also with this, the age of specialty Coffees, and Teas, try your hand at a expresso machine, and let them do their own thing.. It will add to the festivities and fun.. BTW, beer is for pizza, wine is for dinning.. :)

6) Easy on the hors d’oeuvres, and canapés. You will be doing everyone a favor. Too much food before dinner will mess up a perfectly great meal, and pi$$ you off big time if everyone doesn't eat. Kids and old folks come to mind. Think again about the Refrigerator, and the oven when planning. Some items that are lite, and need not take up a lot of cooling space, a flower decorated platter, that you can quickly add raw vegetables with a simple dip and perhaps some mixed nuts or olives, even thin chips.

7) Decorating the house, yard, and most important, your table!

Order flowers early. This is where the internet comes in really handy for this chore, you'll save a bundle and make everything look like a million bucks. Take advantage of the early bird specials by ordering from a grower, or wholesale. The internet is full of them, with great prices, check those POP UP's before you delete them without reading.. LOLOL.  Simplify decorations too. An attractive floral arrangement for your table, with added green fern and a few loose flowers for platters. How about a simple window decor and something just outside the front door, may be all you need.

8) Frozen items are not a sin.., well, ok but not a mortal sin!  I'm thinking about the great specialty breads and rolls, yikes, even some desserts.. gulp! It’s ok to use some convenience items, after all, we accept canned and frozen vegetables, you may not think about additional items today. There are a few really select items that much too good not to consider today, especially when planning a huge party. Pre trimmed vegetables, Shrimp, crab, lobster are great frozen and really speed up the meal service. Canned chicken, beef, vegetables, or even Turkey stock is perfectly acceptable for gravy or as the base for a soup.
 

9) Plan to pre make as much as possible, and plan you meal around that fact. Be sure that you think about the day, long before it happens. Read the recipes closely not just for the ingredients but for timing. Prepare as much food ahead of time as possible. Start as far out from the actual day of the party as possible. Think about serving times, then work back.
Think about everything else that will be happening at the same time, including when your family and friends will be arriving. Plan to do those recipes that can be done two, three, even four days ahead? What can be the day before? The morning of? Most, if not all, side dishes can be done ahead, then Reheat. Some dishes actually improve in flavor if made in advance. Leave as little as possible to the last minute. Not everything can be put into one microwave, and ovens most ovens have only one compartment so THINK IN ADVANCE... :)

10) Make this and every holiday a dream, not a nightmare.. Plan the day as a special moment that you and your loved ones will remember as that special memory. Make this a day that everyone helps with the fun parts of the preparation and service. Use your best assets in making this party a total success. Hubby and Kids will love it if you have a pre planned easy tasks that are well within there capabilities. Give them a typed timetable and pre assigned fun tasks, like setting the table.. set one place setting the night before and point to it .. LOL. Have dad carve the main courses, and make the beverages, getting everything ready, long before the Football games kick-off. Don't be afraid, just be sure that you leave as little to the imagination as possible when assigning to the family.. Don't be at all ashamed to ask for help, but know in advance what it is your are going to be asking for.. remember that this is your home and only you know where everything is hidden, and where it is put away.. DUH!

11) The best for last.. HIRE A MAID, it is not as expensive as you think, less than $100.00, can make this the best party you ever had. How about to just to clean up, or even serve and clean up, or even cook, serve and clean up, how about a massage...

Bless your heart, have some fun.. Chef Carlo

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Old Fashion New England Roasted Turkey Orange-Maple Marinated
This wonderful, old northeastern method of marinating the turkey overnight in maple-orange produces a remarkably moist and flavorful bird. Combine the reserved marinade with the pan drippings and reduce to a scrumptious tangy gravy.

Marinade:

•  2 cups orange juice

•  1 cup chicken broth

•  1/2 cup pure maple syrup

•  1/4 cup bourbon

•  Turkey:.. One 12-pound fresh or frozen whole turkey, thawed

•  3 oranges, peeled and quartered

•  3 small bay leaves, plus more for garnish (optional)

•  1 teaspoon salt

•  1/4 cup unsifted all-purpose flour

•  Citrus garnish (such as oranges, orange wedges, and kumquats; optional)

•  Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

1) Prepare marinade: In a large bowl, combine orange juice, broth, maple syrup, and bourbon.
2) Remove giblets and neck from turkey. Rinse turkey thoroughly with cold water; pat dry.
3) Place turkey in a 2 gallon heavy-duty plastic food storage bag. Carefully pour in marinade. Seal; place in large roasting pan. Refrigerate overnight, turning bag occasionally.
Prepare Turkey: Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
4) Remove turkey from plastic bag and reserve marinade. Insert orange quarters and bay leaves into cavity. Sprinkle salt in cavity. Skewer neck skin to back or tuck wing tips under shoulder joints, holding skin in place. Tie drumstick ends together with string. Place turkey on a wire rack set in a large roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into thigh, making sure it doesn't rest on the bone.
5) Roast turkey until thermometer registers 180 degrees F -- about 3 hours. (Cover turkey loosely with foil if it gets too brown before reaching required temperature.)
6) Remove turkey from oven; transfer to serving platter. Remove and discard oranges and bay leaves.

Let turkey stand at least 20 minutes before carving.
7) Pour reserved marinade into a 2 quart saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Skim and discard any foam from mixture with a slotted spoon. Reduce heat to medium; cook until reduced to 3 1/2 cups -- about 15 minutes.
Preparing Gravy.
8) When turkey has been transferred to platter, skim off all but 1/4 cup fat from drippings in roasting pan; stir in the flour until well mixed. Gradually stir in the reduced marinade and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.

Presenting the masterepiece.

Garnish turkey with whole oranges, orange wedges, bay leaves, and fresh thyme, if desired, and serve with gravy.

Carving the Turkey:
9) Holding a drumstick securely with one hand, use a carving knife to cut through the skin between the thigh and body of the turkey. Gently pull out and back on drumstick, cutting through remaining meat and skin; disjoint and remove drumstick. Repeat with other drumstick. Slice downward along breastbone and rib cage to remove meat on one half of the turkey breast. Cut through turkey, removing the wing. Repeat process, removing remaining breast meat and wing.
10) Place two turkey breast halves on cutting board. Holding breast steady with carving fork, cut slices of breast meat against grain. Transfer slices, wings, and drumsticks to serving platter.
Serving: 12

Recipe from; Holidays in The House of Carlo
 
 

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Another Turkey Stuffing a la Crockpot

When preparing a specialty Turkey as in a fancy marinated, it helps to fix your dressing apart from the bird, and healthier as well.
Preparing your dressing in a crockpot allows you to beat the rush on a holiday morning. Making the stuffing in the slow cooker is one less thing to worry about and it takes up less of that valuable oven space.

• 1 cup butter

• 2 cup chopped onion

• 2 cup chopped celery

• 1/4 cup parsley sprigs

• 1 lb fresh button mushrooms, sliced, or 2 x 8 ounce cans mushrooms

• 12 cups bread cubes, day old dried

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

• 1 1/2 teaspoon sage

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 3 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth

• 2 eggs, well beaten

1) Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion, celery, parsley, and mushrooms.
2) Pour over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl.
3) Add all seasonings and toss well. Pour in enough broth to moisten. Add eggs and mix well.
4) Pack lightly into slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low and cook for 6-8 hours.
Serves 12.
Recipe from, Soup, Sex, and the Single Man
 
 

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Holiday Golden Apples and Yams

"This was so delicious. The three flavors of apples, raisins, and yams combine perfectly and the syrup added just enough sweetness."

• 2 large or 3 medium yams or sweet potatoes

• 2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and sliced crosswise into rings

• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 1/8 teaspoon cloves or apple pie spice mix

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1 cup Raisins

• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1 cup miniature marshmallows (Optional)

Heat oven to 400 degrees.
1) Bake yams 50 minutes or until soft but still hold their shape. Can also be done in the microwave. Let yams cool enough to handle.
2) Reduce oven to 350 degrees. Peel and slice yams crosswise.
3) In 1 1/2 quart baking dish, alternate apple rings, and yam slices, overlapping edges slightly.
4) In small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and spice; stir in orange juice and raisins, and mix well.
5) Heat orange juice mixture over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Pour over apples and yams. Sprinkle with nuts and bake for 10 minutes, add the marshmallows* and bake for additional 10 minutes or until apples and yams are tender.
* (Optional) You may top with miniature marshmallows, it encourages the kids to taste this. Once they do, it becomes their favorite.
Recipe from, Chef Carlo's, "Chef Carlo Cooks with Kids"
 
 

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Baked Apple Dumplings Syrup:

•  1 1/2  cups sugar

•  1/4  teaspoon nutmeg

•  1/4  teaspoon cinnamon

•  1/2  cup red hots

•  1/4 cup butter or margarine

Dumpling Crust:

•  2 1/2  cups flour

•  2  teaspoons baking powder

•  1/2  teaspoon salt

•  2/3  cup shortening

•  1/2  cup milk

Apple filling:

•  4  small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small pieces

•  1/3  cup sugar

•  1/4  teaspoon cinnamon

•  1/4  teaspoon nutmeg

1) Mix syrup ingredients together, except butter.
2) Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and set aside.
3) Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the shortening. Add  the milk all at once. Stir just until moistened.
4) Form into a ball. Roll out into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 6-inch squares.
5) Mix apples with the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place 1/6 of the apples on center of each square. Moisten edges of dough and fold corners to center top and pinch edges together. Place in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
6) Pour the syrup over the dumplings. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes or until the apples are tender.
Serves 6
Recipe from,  The one and only; The Clinton Legacy Cookbook
 

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Old Fashioned Home baked Country Ham

• 1 Country Ham, 15-20 pounds

• 2 Cups Dark Sorghum Molasses

• 1 Cup Vinegar (Apple Cider)

1) Scrub country ham with stiff brush.
2) Put ham in large pot, or if you are lucky enough to have one, place in a lard stand (large metal container that held lard, an old country shortening used long ago; usually holding 25 pounds) and cover with cold water.
3) Add 1 cup molasses and vinegar.
Allow to soak overnight.
4) Next day, remove ham from water, rinse well and cover with fresh water and the remaining 1 cup of molasses. Cover, place over high heat.  Allow to come to a rolling boil and boil for 30 minutes.  Remove lard stand from heat.  Do Not remove lid!
5) Cover pot or lard stand with newspapers and blankets and allow to stand overnight.
Remove from water.  You can make a glaze from brown sugar, fruit juice and plain flour.
Coat ham and bake (probably at 350; the recipe doesn't specify) till brown.

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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degree.
2. Cut the top off one of your garlic heads, to expose the individual cloves. Place on the center of a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzled olive oil over the garlic head.
3. Wrap foil to close securely and bake for 50 minutes. Set aside.
4. Boil red bliss potatoes with skins on. Test with fork for doneness, and drain potatoes.
5. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix all ingredients. Serve with Pork roast.
Pork Roast:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degree.
2. Blend minced garlic, parsley, oregano and thyme.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut holes in the roast, approximately 1 inch deep, every couple of inches in the entire roast.
4. Fill these "pockets" with your garlic mixture.
5. Place in a roasting pan, with about 1/2 inch of water and season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook for 10 minutes at 425 degree and then lower the oven to 350 degree to cook for an additional 40 minutes. Baste your roast about every 15 minutes.
7. When done, remove roast from pan and let sit about 10 minutes before carving. You can make a gravy using the drippings from the roasting pan.

Serves 4

[carlo3b]

 
Here is your chance to GET ON or GET OFF this and other Carlo3B, all important..(Bwhahhahahh).. PING LISTS.
If you wish to remain*on it, just sit back and enjoy our wonderful exchange of ideas and you will be alerted whenever we start posting recipes and other valuable info re: various food management threads.
*If you have been flagged to this thread on post #2, you are already on our temporary ping list, other pings don't count... :(

To be removed** or added to the list, simply respond to this post publicly, on this thread, or Freepmail me with your preference.
**If you are annoyed that you were pinged in the first place, please accept my apology, I have lost my ping list because of a computer crash..Grrr, and be assured that your name will be expunged immediately upon your request.. :)

ALL ABOARD....The FUN FOOD TRAIN is leaving the FAT, BEHIND...
(Fat Behind, get it?)..  Hahahahhahaha...  {{{{{crickets}}}}}  *<]8^p~

[carlo3b]

Sour Apple Raisins and Rum Custard Cake

Screw the diet, this is worth the 2 mile walk.. HA!.. My bad.. :)

Crust

    * 1 1/2 cups flour, unbleached, unsifted
    * 5       Tbls. sugar
    * 1       Tbls. lemon, rind of, grated
    * 2/3    cup butter  or margarine
    * 1       Lg. egg yolks
    * 1       Tbls. milk

Filling

    * 1/2    cup soft bread crumbs
    * 2       Tbls. butter  or margarine, melted
    * 4       cups apples, tart, sliced
    * 1       Tbls. lemon juice
    * 1/4    cup sugar
    * 1/4    cup raisins -- Soak raisins in 1/4 cup rum for 1/2 hour before using.
    * 1/4    cup rum
    * 3       Lg. eggs, beaten
    * 1/3    cup sugar
    * 1 3/4 cups milk

1.  CRUST: To make crust, mix flour, sugar, and lemon rind.
2.  Cut in butter or margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3.  Add egg yolk and 1 T of milk; mix gently to form a dough.
4.  Pat into bottom of a 10 inch Springform pan that has sides only greased.
5.  Press dough up sides of pan for 1 inch.
6.  FILLING: Toss together bread crumbs and melted butter.
7.  Spread evenly over pastry crust.
8.  Toss apple slices, lemon juice, and 1/4 c of sugar.
9.  Spread apples over crumbs.
10.  Drain raisins, reserving rum, and sprinkle raisins over apples.
11.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for 15 minutes.
12.  Beat eggs and sugar until thick and lemon colored.
13.  Stir in milk and reserved rum.
14.  Pour custard over apples and bake for 45 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees F. until custard is set.
15.  Cool completely before serving.
16.  Do NOT remove springform pan until cool.

Yields: 8 servings

[HiTech RedNeck]

Be sure to check the expiration date on spices and milks and dated stuff..

I use smell test for spices, sometimes "fresh" stuff is a dud.

[carlo3b]

God Bless America!
Only in a great country like ours can we enjoy the blessings of freedom, prosperity, abundance, and still have leftovers... LOL
If your home is anything like ours, can you eat all day, and into the night, leave a tidy some of food, (like that G'dawful gooey cranberry stuff) and still have more food than what you had before you started. Look at your refrigerator, is it any room left... well is there??? LOL
Here are some suggestions for that Turkey and trimmings that are still around!.....

You've Got To Be Kiddin Real Turkey Chili

• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 1/4 cups chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 2 cans (15 1/2 oz each) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (28 ounces) stewed tomatoes, crushed
• 1 cup red wine
• 3 cups cooked turkey, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cilantro or 1 teaspoon dried
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1) Place a 3 quart saucepan over medium high heat, sauté bell pepper, onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender crisp.
2) Add beans, tomatoes, wine, turkey, chili powder, cilantro, red pepper, oregano and salt. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil; reduce heart to low and simmer mixture, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
3) Garnish with additional chopped onion and/or cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed Fritos OHMYGAWD
Makes 6 servings.

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You Never Would Have Thought Of This Leftover Turkey Dinner

• 4 slices turkey breast, cooked
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

1) Brush turkey to taste with sesame oil and dredge in mixture of sesame seeds, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper.
2) In skillet, sauté slices in heated peanut oil until brown on both sides.
3) Remove to platter. Deglaze skillet with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
4) Pour sauce over turkey... Yummmmmmmmmm, and it's easy, if you have the ingredients.... LOL

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Haphasheredly Turkey

• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup turkey gravy
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• salt and pepper, to taste

1) Sauté vegetables in butter until soft and limp.
2) Add remaining ingredients and simmer until blended, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Thats it!!!
Remember, all hash is better if made the day before, and it freezes well.
Serves 6 to 8.

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Wild Turkey and Rice Casserole or is it Wild Rice and Turkey

• 2 cups long-grain wild rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup flour
• 9 ounces mushrooms, sliced, canned (reserve liquid)
• 3 cups half and half, OR 1 cup half & half plus 2 cups broth
• 6 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup pimiento, diced
• 4 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste
• bread crumbs

1) Prepare rice according to package directions.
2) Sauté onions in butter, remove from heat and stir in flour.
3) Drain mushrooms, save liquid.
4) Combine that liquid with cream and enough liquids to make 4 cups.
5) Stir slowly into flour mixture. Cook and stir until thick.
6) Add rice, mushrooms, turkey (chicken), toasted almonds, pimiento, parsley, salt and pepper.
7) Put in a 9 x 12 x 2 - inch casserole, top with buttered bread crumbs and bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
Oh yeah baby........ENJOY!!!!!

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Turkey's Nose Under The Tentrazzini

• 4 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• salt to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Hot sauce to taste, I use Tabasco sauce
• 1/2 pound mushrooms -- sliced
• 1 egg yolk lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry
• 3 tablespoons cream
• 1 (8 oz) pkg. pasta, preferably spaghetti
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon butter

1) In a skillet heat 3 tablespoons of butter; add mushrooms and sauté briefly.
2) Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan; add flour and stir until smooth.
3) Whisk in broth and cook until thickened and smooth. Add salt and Tabasco to taste. Whisk a little of the hot sauce into the beaten egg yolk, then pour the egg yolk mixture into the rest of the sauce.
4) Add sherry, cream, turkey, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring, just until heated through.
5) Cook pasta according to package directions.
6) In a buttered casserole, place alternate layers of spaghetti and sauce.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
Optional, but a great touch, brown quickly under a preheated broiler and serve.

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Double Your Pleasure Turkey Club Sandwiches

• 1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, HOTchacha
• 2 teaspoons honey mustard, regular is OK, if you have no class
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 3/4 pound thinly sliced ham, yes the left-over ham is just great
• 12 slices whole wheat bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 lettuce leaves
• 3/4 pound thin-as-you-can slice, turkey
• 8 slices tomato
• 4 slices bacon
• 16 pitted ripe olive, no not 17, only 16.. LOL
• 16 pimiento stuffed olives

1) Combine sour cream, horseradish, honey, mustard, garlic salt, and white pepper; stir well.
2) Place 3 ounces of ham on each of 4 slices of bread. Top each with 1 teaspoon sauce, 1 slice cheese, a lettuce leaf, and another slice of bread.
3) Place 3 ounces of turkey on each slice, and add 1 teaspoon sauce, lettuce leaf, 2 slices tomato, and 1 slice bacon. Top with remaining slices of bread.
*Now for the wimpy stuff, Definitely not a guy thingy... LOL Skewer a ripe olive and pimiento stuffed olive on each of 16 wooden picks. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles, and secure each quarter with a pick.

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You won't believe this........ although I can't imagine why not..   My grandmother and my great aunts always removed the wings from a stewing chicken before they put it in the soup pot. I asked them why, and they told me that was the way their grandma, my great grandmother, did it and she taught them how to cook!   Fortunately my great grandmother was still around and feisty as heck, the women in my family lived ripe old ages many into the 100+, I digress, I asked her why she did it. She took me to the cupboard and took out her stewing pot, and it was tall and narrow, sooooooo she had to remove the wings to comfortably stir the soup as it cooked...LOLOLOL  My family and I really follow orders...Bwhahahahahahah...wait...HUH?

Caribbean Dayo Turkey Salad

• 3/4 cup wild rice
• 1-1/2 cups converted white rice
• 1 cup sweetened flake coconut
• 1 large sweet red pepper, cored, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 large sweet green pepper, cored, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 papayas, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 pound sliced smoked turkey, cut into matchstick strips
• 1-3/4 cups Orange Dressing*

1) Add water to wild rice in a saucepan to cover by 2 inches.
2) Simmer, covered, 35 to 40 minutes or until rice is tender and starts to split open. Drain; cool under cold tap water. Drain.
3) Meanwhile, cook white rice according to package directions. Drain; cool under cold tap water. Drain.
4) As rice is cooking, heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spread coconut evenly in a baking pan.
5) Bake in heated 375 degree F. oven 10 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Cool.
6) Combine wild rice, white rice, coconut, sweet peppers, onion, parsley, papayas and turkey in a large bowl.
7) Add dressing; mix well.
Yield: 10 servings
*Orange Dressing.  Whisk together 1-1/2 cups fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar,
1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.

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Turkey Jerky

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (can use light soy sauce)
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 2 pounds cooked turkey dark meat, sliced paper thin

1) Mix marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
2) Dip meat slices into marinade.
3) Place dipped meat in layers in a bowl or dish.
4) Pour remaining marinade sauce over meat. Cover tightly and let marinate in refrigerator for 6 to 12 hours.
5) Rotate layers of meat occasionally.
6) Place in dehydrator until dry.
While meat is drying, blot excess oil with paper towel.
Feed the cat the leftover, leftovers!...LOLOL

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Nutty Turkey Casserole

• 8 cup  turkey, cooked & cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 8 teaspoon real butter, (not margarine)
• 4 ea. cloves garlic, minced you really can't sub dry garlic
• 2 teaspoon scallions, chopped
• 6 teaspoon brandy, drink the good booze, this should be the cheap stuff... LOL
• 1 cup  white wine, nothing fancy, it cooks off anyway
• 2 teaspoon tomato paste( I understand, what in the H#ll are you going to do with the rest of that tiny can..I dunno..ha!)
• 6 teaspoon whole wheat flour, (all purpose is OK)
• 1 cup  mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cup  turkey broth, (chicken broth will be fine)
• 1 lb pecans, chopped (can sub walnuts, but they are a bit dry)
• 1 1/2 cup  sour cream
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1) In skillet, melt 1/2 of the butter (4 ts) and brown the turkey; place the turkey in ovenproof casserole with lid.
2) In same skillet, sauté garlic and scallions.
3) Add brandy and wine; increase heat and boil about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and whisk in tomato paste, and flour. Cook, stirring until smooth.
4) Add chopped mushrooms and broth.
5) Pour sauce over turkey in casserole. Add pecans.
6) Bake covered at 350 degrees F., for 35 to 40 minutes or until turkey is tender.
7) Remove from oven. Spoon about 2 cups turkey sauce into bowl; stir in sour cream; return to casserole, stirring until thoroughly combined.
8) Return to oven and bake covered about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Serves 6.

---

Screw The Cheesy Cats Turkey With Broccoli

• 1 package (10 ounce) frozen broccoli spears
• 1/4 cup real butter
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup turkey broth, yes you can... chicken is OK
• 1/2 cup half and half (you can use heavy cream and cut it with whole milk)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine, (any cheap dry white wine that doesn't start a fire when you pour it!!!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups chopped or sliced turkey
• 1 cup chopped or sliced ham
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the real thing freshly grated is best, not the cardboard box stuff..LOL
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup ground nut meats

1) Cook broccoli until barely tender; drain.
2) Place in 1-1/2 quart baking dish; cover with turkey and ham.
3) To make cheese sauce, melt butter and stir in flour in saucepan; add broth and half and half and cook until thick and smooth, stirring constantly.
4) Stir in wine, salt and pepper and Worcestershire. Pour over turkey and ham.
5) Mix Parmesan cheese, crumbs and ground nut meats and sprinkle over the top; bake in 350-degree F. oven until mixture bubbles. You should serve this Turkey in nice individual baking dishes, if not, it's no skin off moi nose!..ha!.

---

Leftover Hangover Turkey Casserole

This is one of those "new world order" recipes, everything in it is either canned, packaged, or artificial, that you must cross your fingers, or go to confession for calling it homemade... LOLOLOLOL

• 1 (6 ounce) package dry bread stuffing mix
• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can  condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can  condensed cream of celery soup
• 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans French style green beans, drained
• 2 cups cooked, chopped turkey meat

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2 Prepare stuffing according to package directions.
3 In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup and dry onion soup mix.
4 Spread the green beans in a 9x13 inch dish. Top with a layer of turkey. Pour the soup mixture over the turkey. Top with stuffing.
5 Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly.
 
 

[michaelbfree]

My Turkey Recipe:

Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as a stuffing -imagine that ! When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who just are not sure how to tell when poultry is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out.....Give this a try

BAKED STUFFED TURKEY

14-20 lb. turkey

1 cup butter

1 cup stuffing ( Pepperidge Farm is good)

salt and pepper to taste

1cup uncooked popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHERS LOW FAT)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter, salt and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven..Listen for the popping
sounds....

When the turkey's @ss blows the oven door open and the turkey flies across the room it is done

[Blue Eyes]

Yea!! I've been waiting for this thread all year!

Do you have a good recipe for baked sweet potato fries?

[King Prout]

ping.

some interesting recipes

[alarm rider]

Nice tips. Thanks.

[HiTech RedNeck]

ha ha ha. there is a popped-popcorn stuffing, google turns it up

[carlo3b]

Tex-Mex Baked Sweet Potato Fries

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  2 large (about 1 1/2 pounds) sweet potatoes

1) Prepare the sweet potatoes: In a small bowl, combine cumin, salt, and pepper.
Set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2) Peel potatoes, cut each in half lengthwise, and cut each half into 6 wedges.
3) In a large bowl, combine the cut potatoes, oil, and spice mixture. Toss until potatoes are evenly coated.
4) Bake the fries: On a baking sheet, arrange potatoes in a single layer and place on the middle shelf of the oven.
Bake until edges are crisp and potatoes are cooked through -- about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

[ken5050]

Happy early turkey day.....

Let me offer FOUR suggestions...which are easy to implement and came help make for a successful turke..

1. If you are buying a frozen bird..put it in the refrigerator to thaw 4-5 days BEFORE you cook it...Larger birs take evne longer, and a bird that isn't thawed will NOT cook evenly.

2. BRINE the bird..it's the only way to go..and it's real easy..

3. If you don't have one..buy a thermometer..the only way to tell if a bird is cooked is to check the internal temp

4. When you take the bird out of the oven, tent it snugly with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. The bird continues to cook, internal temperature will rise by as much as 10degrees, and the juices will settle...and it will be much easier to carve..

[RedWhiteBlue]

Yum, Carlo! I've prepared that turkey before (or one remarkably similar), and it turned out absolutely beautiful.

I have a question: You mention: "Canned chicken, beef, vegetables, or even Turkey stock is perfectly acceptable for gravy or as the base for a soup." I've read that a good stock will congeal when refrigerated, and I see this happen when I make homemade stock from turkey carcasses after Thanksgiving or Christmas. But the stock I buy in the grocery store (Kitchen Basics) does not congeal at all when refrigerated. Is that rule true, and if so, is there a better stock to be had on the grocer's shelves, and who might carry it?

[Lx]

Thanksgiving bump.

[sportutegrl]

The heck with all that yankee food. I need a recipe for turducken.

[Bahbah]

Please put me on the list, carlo. Thanks.

[alarm rider]

"BTW, beer is for pizza, wine is for dinning.. :)"

OK. What is the best type of white wine to have with turkey? Should it be a sweeter type or what?

[michigander]

Turducken

[carlo3b]

Honey Golden Cornbread

This could be a real challenge to the famous Marie Callender national restaurant cornbread recipe.. My family asks for my navy bean soup so I will make this cornbread recipe, with honey butter.. enjoy!

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1-1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup sugar


Preheat oven to 400°F.
1) Combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar and salt in a medium bowl.
2) Add the milk, shortening and egg and mix only until all the ingredients are well combined.
3) Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Let the cornbread cool slightly before slicing it with a sharp knife into 9 pieces.

Special Honey butter

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup honey


For the honey butter, use a mixer on high speed to whip the butter and honey together until smooth and fluffy.

[RedWhiteBlue]

Kroger carries the frozen ones (at least the do around here).

[SF Republican]

Drink a Napa Valley Zinfindel with it (the real red stuff no pink).