Thanksgiving Day Secrets: Turkey Recipe + Fun Finds

This is a big moment in our relationship. I am about to impart to you my secret family Thanksgiving Day turkey recipe. This is a recipe that I have not strayed from for over 10 years and there is a reason… it’s amazing. Well, that’s a lie. About 5 years ago, I made wine-braised pheasant for the holiday and I just about had a mutiny on my hands. My Thanksgiving turkey recipe is that good that it filled my own loving family with inconsolable rage when I didn’t make it. Remember that with such power comes great responsibility. I am giving you this recipe as a gesture of my thankfulness for such a lovely and loyal readership. I also have laid out a few fun finds I have come across this year that will hopefully add a bit of fun to your festivities. With all that said, let’s get to the bird!

Apple Cider Turkey

INGREDIENTS:

• 15-20 lbs turkey
• 1 gallon of apple cider
• 6 navel oranges (quartered)
• 2 cups of butter
• 8 garlic cloves (diced)
• 6 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of ground ginger

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prep the turkey per it’s instructions, by preheating the oven, cleaning, and placing it in a roasting pan.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the softened butter with the garlic, thyme, salt, and ginger. Using your fingers, separate the turkey skin from the breast and legs  and then push in 2/3rds of the butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining garlic spread on the outside of the bird.
3. Stuff as many orange quarters as you can into the bird cavity. This will help keep it moist throughout cooking and give it a lovely orange flavor. Place the remaining orange pieces in the roasting pan.
4. Pour the apple cider into the roasting pan until 3/4ths full. Place the pan in the oven and begin cooking.
5. Cook the turkey for the recommended time for it’s size, basting the bird with the cider every 30-45 minutes until fully cooked.
6. Remove the bird from the roasting pan, plate, and serve. Happy Thanksgiving!

NOTE: To make apple cider gravy, pour the remaining juice out of the roasting pan and into a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of red wine and approximately 1 cup of flour. Stir of medium heat until smooth. Enjoy!

Beverage Napkins by World Market:

Your table is set, but you want to serve up some pre-turkey cocktails? Add these adorable beverage napkins to the mix for a fun and festive detail.

 

Thanksgiving Petit Fours by Divine Delights:

Don’t go to a Thanksgiving Day feast empty handed! These make for an adorably sweet hostess gift!

 

Turkey Roaster with Rack by Williams-Sonoma:

You now have the sacred recipe in your possession, so make it to perfection with this baby.

 

Mulling Spice Ball by Williams-Sonoma:

Everyone loves a warm cup of mulled wine, but nobody likes choking on bits of cloves and nutmeg shell. This is the solution!

 

Floral Pie Crust Cutters by Williams-Sonoma:

Take your Thanksgiving pie game to level ‘expert’ by adding some decorative crust into the mix.

 

Thanksgiving Spatulas by Williams-Sonoma:

I am a sucker for plaid and autumn. I have put this item solely as a blatant hint to my holiday guests. THIS IS THE BEST HOST GIFT YOU COULD BRING TO THE THANKSGIVING PARTY. 😉

Don’t make me regret spilling my Thanksgiving Day Turkey secrets with you, now. What unique recipe do you bring to your holiday table? Shout it out below and make sure to enter for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card to start off the holiday season with a bit of shopping!

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