Cider Brined Turkey

Cider Brined Turkey

Ingredients

• 7 lb. turkey breast

• 4 c. apple cider

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1/3 c. brown sugar

• 1 T. whole allspice

• 1/3 c. kosher salt

• 4 bay leaves

• 2 T. butter

Instructions

2. Smash and peel the garlic cloves. Combine the apple cider, garlic cloves, brown sugar, allspice, salt and bay leaves in a large pot. Simmer on the stove top for 5 minutes, stirring often.

3. Take the brine off the stove top and add 4 cups ice water. Place the turkey breast in a 2 gallon zip lock bag. Add the brine to the bag adding water if needed to submerge the turkey. Close the bag and place in a pan. Refrigerate overnight.

4. After the turkey has brined overnight, drain the turkey and rinse. Take the softened butter and smear it under the skin of the turkey breast. Dry the turkey with paper towels. Season the turkey with salt and pepper.

5. Cook on the grill or in an oven at 325 degrees until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, about 2 1/2 hours.

6. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes, slice and serve.

Thanksgiving Timeline

Thanksgiving Timeline

 4 weeks prior:

Invite people

3 weeks prior:

Confirm how many people will be attending.

Plan the menu.  Keep in mind oven space and temperatures needed.

If making pie crusts, make now, put in pie pans, cover with plastic wrap and freeze.

1 week prior:

Make a detailed grocery list.  Divide it into things you can buy now and things you will need to buy right before Thanksgiving.

Sunday before Thanksgiving: 

If using frozen turkey, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw.

If you don’t use the table you will be using for Thanksgiving, go ahead and decorate it and set out the place settings.

Tuesday before Thanksgiving:

Make everything that will be served chilled, like cranberry sauce.  Cover and refrigerate.

Clean, cut and chop vegetables for stuffing and other recipes.

Wednesday before Thanksgiving:

Brine the turkeys.

Cut up bread for stuffing.

Make and bake the pumpkin pies.  Refrigerate after cooling. 

Make any side dishes that can be done ahead of time.

Review remaining recipes and make sure you have all the ingredients needed like whipping cream, butter, etc.

If baking rolls from frozen dough, put them in a greased pan, cover with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator overnight.

Thanksgiving Day:  (Times are planning around eating at 2 pm using 7 lb. turkey breasts.  Adjust as needed to fit your schedule and turkey size.

9:00 AM

Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let rise.

9:30 AM

Take the turkeys out of the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.

Assemble the stuffing.

Peel potatoes and put in cold salted water.

10:00 AM

Bake rolls.

Cook the potatoes.

10:30 AM

Put turkeys in the oven.

Drain the potatoes and mash them.  Put in a buttered crock pot to keep warm.

11:00 AM

Assemble the stuffing and bake.

Make the green bean casserole.

1:00 PM

Remove the turkey from the oven.  Cover with foil and let rest.

Put green bean casserole and sweet potatoes in the oven to bake.

Make gravy then put in crock pot to keep warm.

1:30 PM

Greet your guests.

Carve the turkey.

Enjoy your wonderful dinner!

Raspberry Cream Angel Food Dessert

 Raspberry Cream Angel Food Dessert

2 c. raspberries

3/4 c. sugar

2 T. cornstarch

1/2 c. cold water

1 T. fresh lemon juice

3 c. cubed angel food cake

8 oz. cream cheese

3/4 c. half-and-half

1/4 c. sugar

1 T. lemon zest

1 c. heavy cream

1/4 c. powdered sugar

Set out the cream cheese to bring it to room temperature.

In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, cold water and lemon juice.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.  Then remove from the heat and cool in the refrigerator.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, half-and-half, 1/4 c. sugar and lemon zest.  Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.  Set aside.

Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and set aside.

In a serving dish, layer half of the cubed angel food cake.  Press together a bit so it holds together while layering.  Dollop half of the cooled raspberry filling over the cake layer, spreading evenly..  Add half of the whipped cream, spreading evenly.  Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with whipped cream.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld.  Serve chilled.

Pork and Poblano Skewers

 

Pork and Poblano Skewers

Ingredients

• 3 T. brown sugar

• 3 T. soy sauce

• 2 T. orange juice

• 1 T. lemon juice

• 1 seeded minced jalapeno

• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

• 1 lb. pork tenderloin

• 1 fresh pineapple

• 2 poblano peppers

Instructions

1. Peel and core the pineapple and cut into 1 1/2" cubes.

2. Combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, orange juice, lemon juice, jalapeno and pepper. Divide this marinade into two bowls.

3. Cut the pork into 1" cubes. Put in one of the bowls with the marinade. Stir to coat.

4. Put the pineapple in the other bowl with the marinade. Stir to coat.

5. Cut the poblano peppers into 1 1/2" squares.

6. Thread the pork, pineapple and poblanos onto metal skewers. Grill over charcoal or gas for 14 minutes or until done.

Cucumber Sandwiches

 Cucumber Sandwiches

4 oz. whipped cream cheese

1 T. plain Greek yogurt 

1 T. sliced fresh chives

1 T. chopped fresh dill

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

4 slices dark rye bread

1/3 English cucumber, thinly sliced

Stir together the cream cheese, yogurt, chives, dill and pepper in a small bowl until well blended.  Spread the mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.  Top this slice with cucumber slices then add the other bread slice, cream cheese side down.  Cut the crusts from the sandwich and cut into 4 triangles or rectangles.  Serve immediately or refrigerate until served.

Crispy Rice Treats

Crispy Rice Treats

4 T. unsalted butter plus extra to butter the pan
10 ounces marshmallows
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
6 c. crispy rice cereal
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Use the extra butter to coat a 9" x 13" baking dish on the bottom and sides.
Melt the 4 T. butter over low heat in a large pot.  Stir in the marshmallows and cook until melted.  Stir in the peanut butter until combined.  Stir in the cereal until thoroughly combined.  Pour into the prepared pan. Smooth the top of the treats, pressing down lightly with slightly damp hands.  Melt the chocolate in the microwave.  Spread the chocolate over the top of the treats.  Set aside to cool or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.  Cut into squares.

Pimento Cheese Dip

 Pimento Cheese Dip 

2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 c. shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 c. finely chopped drained pimientos
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. celery salt

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Can be made up to 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Serve with crackers and/or celery sticks. This also makes a great grilled cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread.

Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake

Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. butter room temperature
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 c. flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 c. blueberries
• 1/2 c. buttermilk

Instructions

• Set out the butter and egg to come to room temperature. Spray an 8” square baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Remove 1 T. of sugar from the cup of sugar. Combine the remaining sugar with the butter and lemon zest. Beat with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
• Toss the blueberries with 1/4 c. of the flour. Set aside. Combine the remaining flour with the baking powder and salt.
• Add half of the flour/baking powder mixture to the batter and stir until combined. Add all of the buttermilk and mix. Add the remaining flour and stir until combined. Fold in the blueberries. (Leave any excess flour from the blueberry bowl behind.)
• Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the batter with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

 

Cucumber Salad

 

Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
• 4 T. rice wine vinegar
• 1 T. soy sauce
• 2 tsp. mirin or 1/2 T. sugar
• 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. black or white sesame seeds

Instructions

• Cut the cucumbers into 1/4 inch slices.
• Mix together the vinegar, soy sauce, mirin , ginger and red pepper flakes.
• Toss the cucumbers with the dressing. Add the sesame seeds and chill.

Notes

If you don’t have Persian cucumbers, use regular thinly sliced cucumbers but put them in a colander with 1/2 tsp salt for at least 10 minutes.  Squeeze out any excess liquid.  Then proceed with the recipe.

Peach Mango White Sangria

Peach Mango White Sangria

1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. water
3/4 c. Peach Schnapps
1 bottle Viognier or other white wine
1 chopped mango
2 peaches, cut into thin wedges

In a saucepan, cook the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves; transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold.  Add the remaining ingredients to the pitcher, stir and serve.

Cashew Cranberry Energy Balls

 

Cashew Cranberry Energy Balls

Ingredients

• 1 c. oatmeal
• 3 T. chopped cashews
• 3 T. chopped dried cranberries
• 1/2 c. peanut butter
• 1/4 c. honey

Instructions

• Combine the oatmeal, cashews and cranberries. Add the peanut butter and honey. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Then roll into 1” balls. Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Pear Pecan Cheese Ball

 

Pear Pecan Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 1/4 c. shredded extra-sharp white cheddar
• 1 firm ripe pear
• 1 tsp. dried minced shallot or 2 T. finely chopped chives
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 c. finely chopped toasted pecans
• 2 T. finely chopped chives

Instructions

• Bring the cream cheese to room temperature.
• Finely dice the pear.
• Stir together the cream cheese, shredded cheese, pear, dried shallot, salt and pepper.
• Coat a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray.  Scoop the cheese mixture onto it.  Using the plastic wrap, form the cheese mixture into a ball, then completely wrap in plastic.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
• Just before serving, combine the pecans and the chives on a plate.  Roll the cheese ball in the mixture, pressing to adhere on all sides.
• Serve with crackers and celery sticks.

Coconut Lime Soda

 

Coconut Lime Soda

Ingredients

• 2 oz Coconut Cream Kind used for piña coladas
• 2 oz Lime juice Fresh
• 8 oz Club soda

Instructions

• In the bottom of a glass, combine the lime juice and coconut cream. Top with the club soda and combine gently.  

Ranch Taco Chicken Salad

 

Ranch Taco Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 T. canola oil
• 1 T. chili powder
• 16 oz. salad greens
• 1/2 c. salsa
• 1/2 c. ranch dressing
• 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 c. crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

• Slice the chicken and sprinkle with chili powder. Add the oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.  Let the chicken cool slightly. Toss the chicken mixture, salad greens, salsa, dressing and cheese in a large bowl. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top. Serve immediately.
• Note: Use a rotisserie chicken to make this salad with no cooking required!   Just cut up the rotisserie chicken and sprinkle it with the chili powder.