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Come Party With Me: Potluck Thanksgiving - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:50:39 -0800

Cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal is quite a hefty task. Not only does it require culinary expertise, but it also involves lots of planning. To help shoulder part of the burden and cut the budget, many people like to throw or attend a potluck Thanksgiving.

Usually the person hosting is in charge of the turkey. They should also assign side dishes - that way you won't end up with seven sweet potato casseroles and no cranberry sauce - and coordinate a cooking schedule.

If you're a guest at a potluck on Thanksgiving, be sure to ask the hostess what you should bring.

Select a side dish that can be made almost entirely in advance and put it together the morning of the big day. Communicate with the hostess and explain that your dish needs a certain amount of time in the oven or microwave. To see my recipe suggestions - like herb-roasted turkey, fennel and potato puree, sausage and apple stuffing, and cranberry ginger relish - for hosting and attending a potluck Thanksgiving, read more.

Herb-Roasted Turkey With Maple Gravy
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

One 18-pound turkey
1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
1 medium onion, quartered
20 sage sprigs
20 thyme sprigs
20 parsley sprigs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3 cups turkey stock
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry. Trim the neck skin. Stuff the turkey with the garlic, onion and sage, thyme and parsley sprigs. Season inside and outside with salt and pepper. Transfer the turkey to a large, lightly oiled roasting pan and roast it for about 3 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in a thigh registers 175°. Cover the turkey with foil if the skin begins to look very brown. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let rest for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour the pan juices into a heatproof bowl and skim off the fat. Set the roasting pan over 2 burners on high heat until sizzling. Add 1 cup of the turkey stock and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom and side of the pan; add to the pan juices in the bowl.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook over moderately high heat for 1 minute. Add the pan juices and remaining 2 cups of turkey stock to the saucepan and cook, whisking, until the gravy is thickened and no floury taste remains, about 5 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup and season with salt and pepper. Strain the gravy into a gravy boat. Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy.

Serves 10.

Notes: Roast the bird for 20 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey and 16 minutes per pound for an unstuffed one. The bird is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh registers between 160° and 180° and the juices run clear. The USDA specifies that cooking poultry to 180° will kill all bacteria that can cause illness. Remove the turkey from the oven when its temperature is 10 degrees lower than desired; the temperature will rise by 5 to 10 degrees as the bird rests.

You’ll need plenty of turkey stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth and roasting pan juices to make enough gravy. To get lots of pan juices, roast your turkey at 350° and baste with some stock; if the bird does not seem to brown adequately, you can always raise the oven temperature during the last half hour for faster browning. If your gravy is too thin, simply make a smooth paste with equal parts flour and unsalted butter, a mixture known in French as beurre manié (mon-YAY). Bring the gravy to a boil and whisk in bits of the paste until you get the thickness you desire. If your gravy seems too thick, gradually whisk in more stock.

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Yukon Gold and Fennel Puree With Rosemary Butter
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

3 large fresh fennel bulbs (about 2 1/4 pounds total), trimmed, quartered through core, center core trimmed and discarded, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (about 1 3/4 cups)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup crème fraîche

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine fennel, onion, oil, and 1 teaspoon sea salt in large bowl; toss. Spread in single layer on prepared baking sheet; sprinkle with pepper. Roast until fennel and onion are very tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer fennel mixture to processor and puree until almost smooth.
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until very tender, about 25 minutes. Drain well. Cool slightly. Place in large bowl and mash with potato masher until smooth. Mix in fennel puree.
Melt butter with rosemary and 1 teaspoon sea salt in small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir butter mixture into fennel-potato puree. Mix in crème fraîche. Season to taste with more pepper and salt, if desired. Can be made 6 hours ahead. Transfer puree to large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill. Before serving, microwave on high until heated through, about 4 minutes.

Serves 8-10.

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Sausage, Dried Cranberry, and Apple Stuffing
From The Hearty Boys

Ingredients

1 pound mild bulk breakfast sausage
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups sliced leeks, white and pale green parts only, cleaned well (about 2 large leeks)
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
1 cup chopped celery with leaves
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 cup dried cranberries, rehydrated in boiling water for 15 minutes and drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
6 cups boxed bread cubes (croutons)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 to 3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Saute the sausage in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, crumbling coarsely with the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage and drippings to a large bowl.
Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, apples, celery and poultry seasoning to the skillet and saute until the leeks are soft, about 8 minutes.
Mix in the drained cranberries, sage and rosemary. Add the mixture to the sausage, then mix in the croutons and parsley. Next add the chicken stock a little at a time until the stuffing is very moist. Be sure not to overdo it; it shouldn't be mushy. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a casserole dish. (The stuffing can be made to this point 2 days before Thanksgiving, refrigerated.)
Bake in a 14-inch oval or 9 by 13-inch rectangular casserole dish and place, uncovered, in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is crispy and the center piping hot. Remove and serve immediately.

Serves 8-10.

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Cranberry-Ginger Relish
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

1 bag (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring cranberries, sugar, ginger, and 2 tablespoons water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until most of the cranberries have popped, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in vinegar.
Remove relish from heat. Let cool to room temperature, and serve (or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days).

Serves 8.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Turkey Chili

partysugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:15:01 -0700

On a cool Fall evenings, I often crave chili. While a pot that's simmered on the stove all day is intensely flavorful and satisfying, a quick week night rendition filled with aromatic spices, black beans, and chunks of turkey, is equally gratifying.

This recipe employs cooked turkey, but, if you prefer, feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken or ground turkey.

Don't forget the condiments - sour cream, fresh lime wedges, and grated cheddar cheese enhance the comforting richness of the dish. To serve this rapid chili to your family, get the recipe and read more.

Turkey Chili
From Gourmet

Ingredients

1 large white onion, coarsely chopped
2 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
2 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice
1 (19-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup water
2 cups cooked turkey, cut into 1-inch pieces
Accompaniments: sour cream; sliced avocado; chopped white onion; lime wedges

Directions

Cook onion and peppers in oil in a heavy medium pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
Add spices and brown sugar and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, breaking them up with back of a spoon, then add beans, water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, 15 minutes.
Stir in turkey and let stand, covered, until heated through, 5 minutes.

Serves 6-8.

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Fasy & Easy Dinner: Turkey Burgers With Mustard Sauce

partysugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:09 -0700

One can never have too many turkey burger recipes: they're simple, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. The secret ingredient in this variation is honey mustard. It not only flavors the patties, but when combined with mayonnaise, it makes for a creamy sauce that slathers the bun. Although the recipe tops the burgers with avocado and tomato slices, you could throw in a number of typical add-ons from caramelized red onions to Muenster cheese. Place this burger in your recipe collection when you read more.

Turkey Burgers With Mustard Sauce
From Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

5 Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns
1 lb. uncooked raw turkey
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 Tsp. honey mustard
1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper
1 Tsp. olive or vegetable oil
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1 medium tomato, sliced
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced

Directions

For bread crumbs, in blender or food processor coarsely process one roll.
In large bowl combine turkey, egg, 1 cup of the crumbs, 1 tablespoon of the mustard, and the salt and pepper. Shape turkey mixture into four patties.
In extra-large nonstick skillet cook turkey patties in hot oil over medium heat for 12 minutes, turning once, or until no longer pink (165 degrees F).
In a small bowl combine mayonnaise and remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Spread some sauce on remaining four rolls. Layer turkey patty, tomato, avocado, a dollop of sauce, and roll top.

Serves 4.

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Monday's Leftovers: Summer Rolls

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:00:45 -0700

Following a long weekend of serious overindulgence, turn to a meal that's refreshingly light yet satisfying: Asian-inspired Summer rolls. Leftover ground turkey stands in as protein, while glutinous rice wrappers add a toothsome texture, and vegetables - shiitake mushrooms, mung bean sprouts, and red and green bell peppers - provide an element of much-needed crunch. To make a wholesome dinner (or portable lunch!), read on

Sunday BBQ: Turkey Burgers

YumSugar — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 06:00:42 -0700

One might expect to be tired of barbecue after a three-day grillfest of a holiday, but for some reason, I always wake up on July 5 even more enthusiastic about lighting up the grill. After all, it's only the beginning of July - so hamburger season has just begun!

The only difference? After eating an enormous array of all-American fare, I'm craving something a tad on the lighter side. That's why I'll shape burgers out of extra-lean turkey meat, and flavor them with scallions, Dijon mustard, and garlic. They'll be topped off with some whole-grain burger buns - and, of course, properly melted cheese. See the recipe after the jump

Fast & Easy Dinner: Turkey and Black Bean Tostadas

partysugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:50:48 -0700

Tonight, serve your family a meal that comes together in minutes. This tostada recipe is great because it's full of flavor and texture. There's a satisfying crunch thanks to the tostada base, a crispness from the filling black bean and corn salad, and richness provided by the cheddar cheese and sour cream. Although the ingredients are classic Tex-Mex, the extra veggies make it healthier than nachos. The recipe calls for turkey, but feel free to substitute shredded chicken or ground meat. For the wildly simple method, read more.

Turkey and Black Bean Tostadas
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

3-1/2 ounces roast turkey, from the deli counter, finely diced (3/4 cup)
¼ cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons fresh corn kernels or thawed frozen corn
1 small ripe tomato, finely diced
Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon chipotle sauce or hot sauce, to taste
¼ cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup plain reduced-fat sour cream
2 flat corn tostada shells, such as Bearitos brand
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1 tablespoon snipped chives (optional)

Directions

In a bowl, combine the turkey, black beans, corn, tomato, lime juice, chipotle sauce and cheese.
Pack the turkey mixture, sour cream, tostadas, lettuce and chives separately until ready to use. To serve, spread some sour cream on each tostada. Top each tostada with some of the turkey mixture, lettuce and chives.

Serves 2.

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Hot Brown Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:30:56 -0700

I've always wanted to be at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, and this year is no exception - especially since the Top Chef crew will be there, cooking up a storm. But if you're like me and will only be able to watch the races from the comfort of your home this weekend, get into the spirit by making a Louisville, KY, classic: the hot brown. In case you're not familiar with it, the hot brown is a creamy, rich, hot sandwich that's made of sliced turkey, bacon, toast points, and a cheesy Mornay sauce. Many aspects of the hot brown are up for debate, from the original creator of the sandwich and the year it was conceptualized to what type of cheese ought to go on the sandwich. But what's indisputable about this sandwich is that it's insanely indulgent, and a quintessential part of Kentucky cuisine.

For a version that's easy from start to finish, employ the use of sliced, roasted turkey. Or, impress your friends by going all out with an elaborate recipe that calls for making the turkey from scratch. See both versions of the sandwich when you read more.

Beginner Hot Brown
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

4 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups milk
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, or to taste
4 slices of toasted white bread, crusts trimmed
1/2 pound thinly sliced roast turkey
Salt

Directions

In a small skillet, cook the bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Cook, stirring, until the flour turns amber brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in the milk and continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, whisk in the 4 tablespoons of Parmesan and season with salt and the pepper. Taste the sauce and add more pepper if desired.
Preheat the broiler. For each sandwich, place 2 slices of toast in 2 ovenproof dishes. Cover the 4 slices of toast with the turkey slices and top generously with cheese sauce and grated Parmesan. Place the sandwiches under the broiler and cook until the sauce bubbles and begins browning, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the oven and arrange 2 pieces of bacon in an X across the top of each open-faced sandwich.

Serves 2.

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Expert Hot Brown
From Bobby Flay

Ingredients

Turkey:
1 turkey breast, about 4 to 5 pounds
4 tablespoons unsalted soft butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups grated sharp white Cheddar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Pinch freshly ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Egg Bread:
4 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
Salt
8 (1/2-inch) thick slices good day old white bread (recommended: Pullman or Pain de mie)
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
For assembling
3 ripe beefsteak tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices and griddled until slightly charred and just cooked through
1 1/2 cups grated sharp white Cheddar
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
16 thick slices slab bacon, cooked until crisp
Finely chopped fresh chives
Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Make the turkey: Preheat oven to 425ºF. Rub entire breast with butter and season with salt and pepper. Place in a small roasting pan and roast for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350ºF and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 155ºF, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Remove from the oven, loosely tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Meanwhile, make the sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, bring to a boil and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and the flour has cooked out, about 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in cheese and cook until the cheese has melted. Season with nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste.
Make the egg bread: Whisk together the eggs, milk and salt in a medium bowl. Dip each slice of bread in the mixture and let sit about 30 seconds, or until completely soaked through.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Cook 4 slices of the bread at a time until golden brown on both sides. Remove and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bread.
Assemble the hot brown: Preheat broiler. Place the egg bread on a baking sheet, place under the broiler and heat on both sides for 20 seconds just to warm through.
Top each slice of bread with 2 to 3 slices of turkey and 2 slices of tomato, ladle sauce over the top and divide the cheddar cheese and Parmesan over the top of each slice.
Place under the broiler and cook until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven, top each slice with 2 slices of bacon and sprinkle each slice with chives and parsley.

Serves 4.

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How to Tell When Lunch Meats Are Bad

partysugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:00:05 -0700

The other day DearSugar dragged me to the kitchen and asked me to inspect her sliced deli turkey. It had been sitting in the fridge for more than a couple of days and she wasn't sure if the turkey was still edible or not. I explained that there are several ways to tell when cold cuts have gone bad:

Start by looking at the sell by date. All lunch meats (whether they are prepackaged or fresh cut from the deli) have a sell by date. It's best to consume the meat within seven to 10 days after the sell by date.
Generally speaking, once it's been opened, eat within three to five days.
If the meat is extremely slimy with a film on the outside, throw it away.
Any odd or off smells of vinegar, ammonia, or yeast mean it's time to throw the turkey, pastrami, or ham out.
This goes without saying, but if there's any mold or growths on the meat or package, dispose of it immediately.

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Monday's Leftovers: Five Spice Turkey Lettuce Wraps

YumSugar — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:50:04 -0700

Start off the week on the right foot with a wholesome meal that's both healthy and hearty. Chinese-inspired lettuce wraps - made with leftover ground turkey - are sweet, thanks to hoisin sauce, and spicy, courtesy of five-spice powder, which contains cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

If you want to get a head start on your meal plans, you can make the filling a day ahead, or make extra to reserve for lunch the next day. To enjoy this well-balanced meal that's full on flavor, read more.

Five Spice Turkey Lettuce Wraps
From Eating Well

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup instant brown rice
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (see Note)
1 teaspoon five-spice powder (see Note)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 heads Boston lettuce, leaves separated
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, mint and/or chives
1 large carrot, shredded

Directions

Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add rice; reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey and ginger; cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder and salt; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
To serve, spoon portions of the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves, top with herbs and carrot and roll into wraps.

Serves 4.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: 285 calories, 11g fat, 66 mg cholesterol, 24 g carbohydrates, 26 g protein, 5 g fiber, 543 mg sodium, 390 mg potassium.

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Sunday Slow Cooker: Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

YumSugar — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 06:00:32 -0700

Tonight, make a low-maintenance dinner that you and your family can still get excited about. Here, classic Italian-American meatballs get a modern twist with the help of ingredients such as dark meat turkey, roasted red peppers, and smoky paprika - and the ridiculously convenient slow cooker.

Add this to your favorite pasta for a complete meal. Get your hands on a soon-to-be family favorite when you read more.

Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
One 14.5-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
One 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained
2 tablespoons paprika
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 pounds ground dark meat turkey

Directions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, celery and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened, 7 minutes. Transfer 1 1/3 cups of the onion mixture to a large bowl; let cool. Reserve the skillet.
Using a food processor, puree the tomatoes and roasted peppers. Add the puree to the skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the paprika and season with salt and pepper; transfer to a large slow cooker, cover and set to low temperature.
Whisk the breadcrumbs, egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper into the remaining onion mixture. Mix in the turkey. Form 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours.

Serves 6.

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