Let's Talk Turkey

I love this time of year. There's anticipation in the air as we prepare for family gathering together. Thatcher and Jill will be here with us this year from the east coast (along with grandma and grandpa, and Rick and Alison) and the cousins will all be reunited, which is something that is so special for us to see.

When it comes to roasting a turkey, I have a really simplistic approach. I have a huge old enamelware roaster that my mom found at Goodwill many years ago. I swear by roasting my turkey covered in the pan. To prepare it, I simply rub it with a little olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. That's it.  The covered roaster hold in all of the moisture, creating a very tender turkey. No dry turkeys here.

I prepare my stuffing separately to avoid it becoming mooshy. I'm not a fan of mooshy stuffing.  And since I don't stuff the turkey, it cuts down on the cooking time.  (Roasting it in a covered pan cuts down the time a bit as well.)

I baste it many times while cooking, and that's about it. And then I'm able to really focus on the side dishes and desserts, which make for an amazing feast.

Next week, I'll be sharing some of my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving. In the meantime, here's an alternative to mashed potatoes:

Roasted baby potatoes, carrots, and onions are a tasty alternative to classic mashed potatoes, and less work. Simply line a baking sheet with parchment, line with some big sprigs of rosemary, and add baby potatoes, carrots, and pearl onions. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees until softened and golden browned on the tops of the veggies. The rosemary flavor is infused into the veggies and they're delicious.

Images by the super amazing and wonderful Samantha Cabrera.

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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.

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Comments

[Theresa]

Love the pics

[Natalie V2]

I love the suggestion for roasted potatoes and vegetables.
I joined the conversation on FB yesterday... I want to thank you and all for sharing so much good advice. I am very much encouraged, and it was fun to turn my dilemma in to an opportunity!

[Lanie Veit]

What a wonderful Blog! It's warm, and delightful! I'm so happy I found it! Awesome!
Lanie

[Heather]

Love your gravity defying profile picture :)
YUM! I can't wait for thanksgiving ;)

[Hillary Barnett]

You look so pretty Serena!!! And the turkey looks yummy!!!

[veronica vatter]

For a side I am making roasted carrots, parsnips, turnips and beets and SweetPotatos in a crockpot.. Everything but the carrots are from my garden. I'm so proud. This was my first year at my new house with a garden. I started with almost pure clay. I mean, I could make pots and bowls outta this stuff. The only thing that did reasonably well were the habaneros and sweet potatos.

[Brenda Towsley]

Your turkey looks scrumptious. I am hoping that we have enough turkey left to make the turkey and wild rice soup out of you cookbook.

[Jennifer Rizzo]

I am starving looking at your picture! You and the turkey look good together Serena. :) I LOVE your profile picture!

[Jenn A]

I love the apron you are wearing! And the turkey looks great too!

[Deborah]

Adorable photos of you! Perhpas preparing for a Thanksgiving cookbook? It would be a good idea! Hint Hint!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family

[Meadowbrook Farm]

Oh Serena, you are adorable! Your profile pic is the best ever, and the turkey photos are beautiful. Your turkey is beautiful, too! Can you believe I've made it this far in life without ever roasting a turkey? One day......maybe.

[Weekend Cowgirl]

Your turkey looks nice and plump and juicy!

[Lisa Hilderbrand]

We love the simple turkey roasting technique, too...lets the turkey shine! We are adding faux-tatos (mashed cauliflower with butter and s/p) to the menu this year for my low-carbing husband. And as always, "mooshy" sausage dressing for us! ;)
Have a beautiful day!
xxoo,