Turkey Trauma

Posted by Jacqueline Church Nov 20, 2006

Even if you are the world's worst procrastinator, you can still pull off a Thanksgiving feast to be proud of. See my Ten Point Plan for Turkey Day Procrastinators.

Two recipes you can use, even if you're not doing the whole thing in a last minute frenzy, are offered here. Compound butters add depth to many dishes, roasts, potatoes, soups. Here I offer a good one to slip in between your turkey's breast meant and skin.

Compound butter

• 2 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
• 1 TBSP fresh chopped thyme
• 1 TBSP fresh chopped rosemary
• 1 tsp fresh chopped sage
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp lemon zest

Add above to one stick of softened unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly. Slide some in between the breast meat and skin and your turkey or chicken will be deliciously self-basted. Massage some on the outside of the bird as well. Sprinkle bird with spice rub or Bell's Seasoning.

To store: Put on a sheet of plastic wrap in a log shape. Fold over the plastic wrap, use back of knife to push butter into log shape. Twist ends and wrap in foil. Can freeze or refrigerate for future use.

Jackie's Killer Sweets

Sweet potatoes are delicious, healthy, and easy. These are at least two of the three. They go well with pork, ham or turkey.

• 3 lbs sweet potatoes.Peeled and cut into chunks.
• 1 C light brown sugar
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 1/4 C orange juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 - 1/2 C bourbon
• Maple syrup to taste

Steam sweet potatoes until just tender. Cool, uncovered. Place in buttered baking dish. Simmer sugar, butter, OJ, salt until sugar is dissolved and syrup thickens. Stir in bourbon. Drizzel over potatoes. Bake about an hour. Baste occasionally. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup. Can be made ahead.