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Turn up the Heat for Thanksgiving

© Judy Howle

It's time to start planning for Thanksgiving so that everything can be ready for the big event and no last minute hassles. A little spice in your meal will heat up the event and no doubt bring rave reviews. Everybody nowdays is moving toward spicier food and holidays are great occasionss to show off your culinary prowess. There are many ways to add "heat" to your recipes, and add some zip to your turkey meals and leftovers. In addition to the main dish turkey recipe below, you can also make Cajun fried turkey (recipe here: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/hot_...

You can always adjust the heat for your crowd from mildly spicy to hot using different types of fresh or dried peppers. There are many more spicy holiday recipes available for turkeys and side dishes, appetizers, etc.in my previous Thanksgiving and Holidays recipes under Articles here at Suite 101.

There are many options for spicing up turkey leftovers. Great enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tortilla soup, quesadillas and even chili can be made with leftover turkey. Appetizers such as tortilla rollups would be great served at a football party. Experiment! I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving recipes and have a wonderful holiday.

Judy

Maple-Glazed Turkey with Spicy Cider Gravy
Tabasco Online

• 12 to 14 pound turkey
• Salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth or drippings from turkey (without fat)
• 1 cp apple cider
• 1 tablespoon TABASCO brand Habanero Sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Remove giblets and neck from turkey. With skewers, fasten neck skin to back. Fold wings under. Tie legs together. Place turkey on rack, breast side up in large roasting pan. Sprinkle salt all over turkey. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of thigh. Cover turkey with a loose tent of foil. Roast turkey 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, combine maple syrup and mustard in small bowl.

During last 30 minutes of roasting, spoon maple mixture over turkey. Turkey is done when thigh temperature on thermometer reaches 175° to 180°F and drumstick feels soft. Breast temperature should be 165° to 170°F. Place turkey on large platter; cover and keep warm. Let stand 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a thick paste. Gradually stir in chicken broth, cider, TABASCO® Habanero Sauce and salt until well blended. Simmer 5 minutes or until thickened. Serve gravy with turkey.