Classic Roast Turkey Recipe

Hi Friends,

Emerald Lagasse, renowund chef and TV host shares his recipe for the Classic Roast Turkey.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

* 1 double or triple recipe of the gravy (optional)
* 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
* 1 teaspoon Baby Bam
* 1 bay leaf
* 5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
* 1 rib celery, coarsely chopped
* 1 carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped
* 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
* 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 (10- to 12-pound) turkey

Instructions

Position rack in the lower third of oven and preheat the oven to 425ºF. Fit a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.

Transfer the turkey to the kitchen sink and remove its wrapping. Using your hands, remove and discard the neck, gizzards, heart, and liver usually found in a small paper or plastic bag inside the cavity.

Rinse the turkey well inside and out under cold running water. Pat dry inside and out with paper towels and transfer the turkey breast side up to the rack in the roasting pan.

Season the inside of the turkey with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper and stuff the cavity of the turkey with the onion, carrots, celery, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf.

Using kitchen twine, tie the ends of the turkey's legs together so that it looks as if it is trying to cross its legs.

Season the outside of the turkey evenly with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the Baby Bam.

Use your hands to rub the butter evenly over the entire turkey. You might have to ask someone to hold the turkey for you while you do this. Wash hands well.

Transfer the turkey to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF and, with oven mitts or pot holders, carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven. Watch it, this is heavy and now it's hot too!

Using a baster, baste the top of the turkey evenly with 1/3 of the chicken broth.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, return the turkey to the oven and cook for an additional 1 3/4 to 2 hours, basting twice more during this cooking time with the remaining chicken broth. Always use oven mitts or pot holders for handling the hot roasting pan. If the turkey begins to look too browned, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil until it is done.

After 1 3/4 to 2 hours, the turkey should be a nice golden brown color, and the juices should run clear when you insert the tip of a knife at the joint of the leg and thigh.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven and cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. Let the turkey sit for about 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Save the drippings in the pan if you plan to make gravy.

Have an experienced adult help you transfer the turkey to a carving board and show you how to carve the turkey-then serve.

YIELD: 10 to 12 servings.

NOTE:
If you purchase a frozen turkey, you must defrost it in the refrigerator, and it can take several days to completely defrost, depending on the size of your bird. Make sure you read the instructions on the turkey packaging so that you allow yourself enough time before turkey day! Also, you should never try to defrost a turkey on your kitchen counter or in the kitchen sink-this promotes the growth of harmful bacteria.

Compliments of Emerald Lagasse.

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Yvonne

Tips for Setting a Formal or Informal Thanksgiving Table

Hi Friends,

Setting the table for Thanksgiving guests need not be a chore. Check out our tips for setting either a formal or informal holiday table.

Setting a formal table is easier than you may think. Start by adding a tablecloth and runner, making sure that the tablecloth has at least a six-inch drop on all sides and that the runner is either the same length or shorter than the tablecloth. Then, it's time for the place settings. Forks go to the left of the plate, and the knife (with the blade turned toward the plate) and spoon go to the right. Another tip is to place cutlery in the order that it will be used, with the first utensil, like a salad fork, furthest from the plate. To keep the table from becoming too crowded, simply bring dessert utensils out with that course. Bread plates go to the left of the place setting, glassware to the right. If there is more than one wineglass, arrange them in the order they will be used, outermost first. And finally, napkins can be placed either on top of the dinner plate or to the side of the plate.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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12 Tips for Holiday Entertaining Success

Hi Friends,

Host Sandra Lee shares 12 expert tips to make holiday decorating and entertaining a snap.

1. Forgo a traditional floral centerpiece on the dining table and instead create a charming holiday scene featuring gingerbread houses or ceramic Christmas village miniatures. First sprinkle faux snow along the center of the table, then place homes, stores, trees and people to create a focal point that will delight guests of all ages.

2. Rather than rushing out to buy expensive new china, glasses and silverware for a holiday get-together, consider renting it. No matter where you live, chances are there's a party rental store near you. The prices are reasonable and by renting rather than buying you also avoid having to store the items year after year.

3. A simple way to give your holiday decorations a professionally decorated look is to stick to just two or three colors. Deciding on a palette before you shop makes the selection process quick and easy.
stockings-mantel-lit-candlesFlameless candles are a great holiday decorating solution when you want the flame without the fuss.

4. Flickering candlelight is beautiful, but if small children or pets will be part of the celebration substitute battery-powered votive and pillar candles for a warm glow without the worries.

5. For a custom look that's easy to achieve, add ornaments, wrapped candies, children's toys or glittered greenery to a plain wreath. The decorating options are nearly endless and embellishing a wreath is a fun project to do with the kids.
stockings-mantel-lit-candlesHomemade gingerbread men add a sweet touch to Christmas decorations.

6. Adding a vintage element, such as homemade gingerbread men, hand-strung popcorn or a cranberry garland to your holiday decorations lends a sentimental, old-fashioned feel.

7. Always test Christmas lights before adding them to the tree. Nothing is more disappointing (and frustrating) than spending an afternoon carefully wrapping the tree with lights only to plug them in and discover that they don't work.
stockings-mantel-lit-candlesA humdrum chandelier is given a holiday update with an evergreen garland and paper shades embellished with ribbon.

8. Give your chandelier a simple holiday update by draping the arms with an evergreen garland and embellishing plain paper shades with an assortment of ribbon attached with hot glue.

9. To cover an unusually shaped or extra-long table, simply drape it with fabric from the bolt. Measure the length of the table keeping in mind that 36 inches is equivalent to one yard. Add a few inches to each side to allow the fabric to puddle on the ground — no sewing required.
stockings-mantel-lit-candlesFresh roses add a colorful and fragrant pop to holiday decorations.

10. Add fragrance and an unexpected touch to evergreen garlands and the Christmas tree by placing fresh flowers among the greenery. To keep flowers fresh for days, first clip the ends then insert into water-filled bubble tubes which are available at florist-supply stores.

11. A lit fireplace is beautiful but can quickly heat up a room filled with guests. To get the look without the warmth, instead fill the hearth with lit pillar candles.

12. Make your decorations shine by working strands of twinkling mini lights into garlands, topiaries and tablescapes. If you plan on using lights outdoors, check the packaging to make sure that both lights and any needed drop cords are rated safe for outdoor use.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Yvonne

Printable Thanksgiving Feast Invitation

Hi Friends,

Click on the PDF below to download the Thanksgiving invitation; print it out then fill in the details to invite family and friends to your feast.

Thanksgiving Dinner Invitation PDF

Now put the finishing touch on your Thanksgiving table with one of the four printable place card designs.



Click on the PDF below to download the designs, fill in your guests' names and place a card at each place setting. For a festive touch, surround each card with colorful wrapped chocolates, nuts or fall leaves.

Thanksgiving Place Cards PDF

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Yvonne

Fall's Bounty Window Box

Hi Friends,

When decorating your home for fall, don't forget the outside. Fill outdoor containers with autumn's bounty for a stylish, seasonal look.

Materials and Tools:

window box
vinyl-covered chicken wire
wire cutters or scissors
staple gun
wood or bamboo skewers
drill
silicone caulk
floral tape
dried grasses
winter cabbage
mums
pumpkins
gourds
small live evergreens

Steps:

1. Add a layer of soil to the bottom of a window box. Cut a piece of chicken wire to fit the top of the window box and attach with staples.

2. Choose items for the window box arrangement. These can include dried elements, living plants or a combination of both. Include elements of different heights, shapes, colors and textures. To secure a gourd in the arrangement, drill a small hole in the bottom of the gourd, insert a wooden skewer and seal the hole with a touch of silicone caulk. This will prevent rot and make the gourd last a little longer.

3. "Plant" items in the window box by sticking them down through the chicken wire. Don't just line everything up straight and level; position elements to show off their most dramatic sides and emphasize variety.

4. Many dried grasses can be delicate and wispy. For a better-looking presentation, gather them into a bunch and use floral tape to secure them to a wooden skewer. Make sure the skewer extends beyond the bottom of the bouquet. Insert the skewer through the chicken wire.

5. Add some live greenery to the box: cypress, evergreen and juniper plants will hold their color through the winter. Cut a hole in the chicken wire with snips and plant the evergreen in the soil.

6. After Thanksgiving, make the window boxes a part of your Christmas decor by replacing the fall elements with pine cones, pieces of point pines, cedar branches, holly or even a string of lights.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Festive Fall Tablescape

Hi Friends,

Add a festive fall touch to your Thanksgiving with these easy-to-create decorations.

Materials and Tools:

assortment of miniature, small and medium pumpkins (orange and white foam craft variety)
assortment of pillar candles (green, white, rust and yellow)
double-sided adhesive sheets (available at craft stores)
ruler
pencil
scissors
split peas
dried lentils (various colors and sizes)
beans
pie plates

Steps:

1. Pour lentils to almost fill pie plates, one color lentil per plate.

2. Cut strips of adhesive to form the band, strips can range from one to three inches wide, depending on the size of the pumpkins. Tip: Visually, it's best if the adhesive strips cover approximately one-third of the pumpkin.

3. Remove one side of paper from the adhesive and wrap around the middle of the pumpkin. Remove the remaining paper backing. Add additional strips of adhesive until there is a continuous band around the middle of the pumpkin.

4. Roll the exposed adhesive in the lentils, pressing the lentils into the adhesive to affix. Use fingers to place additional lentils in areas where they do not completely cover the adhesive.

5. Press all lentils gently to make sure they are secure and repeat for remaining pumpkins.

6. Cut strips of adhesive that equal the height of each candle, minus two inches.

7. Wrap the adhesive around the candles in the same manner as the pumpkins, leaving an inch of candle color exposed at the top and bottom and roll the exposed adhesive in the lentils to cover.

8. To create a colorful tablescape, pour additional lentils onto table in a colorful pattern. Place pumpkins and candles on the bed of lentils. Raise some pumpkins and candles by placing them on stands or candleholders.

Note: To store this decoration for future use, wrap candles and pumpkins in wax paper to keep lentils attached and store in a cool, dry place.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Yvonne

Solutions for Holiday Dining

Hi Friends,

Check out these tips for preparing a dining room for the holidays.

By Shari Hiller

Holidays make me think of family. And having the entire family together for a meal is truly a cause for thanksgiving. But what if you don't have formal dining room furniture and your current budget doesn't allow for its purchase? Not to worry! While a beautiful dining room is a dream of many, the cost can be prohibitive, especially if the room is used infrequently. My decorating partner, Matt Fox, and I have found that there are some inexpensive remedies for this decorating dilemma.

Creating a dining room on a budget just requires some creative thinking. First, there's the need for a fairly large table. Remember, Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time for sharing, so "borrowing" an oval table from the patio seems entirely appropriate for the season. It doesn't really matter if it is plastic or glass topped; it will be covered with a decorative floor length fabric covering. Window toppers made from the same fabric can provide an additional splash of color and help to unify the room.

The beautiful fabric-draped table becomes the focal point in your room. Surrounding your table with chairs might distract from the effect, so you really have no need for permanent dining room chairs. Instead, folding chairs brought out at mealtime will function well without becoming a distraction.

You probably will need some permanent seating in your new dining room, however. Once again, you might borrow an armchair from a bedroom or den. Although it might seem odd to have an armchair in a dining room, it provides softness to the room and extends the function as well. What a great place to relax while planning those special holiday meals.

Additional seating might include an inexpensive bench. We chose one with decorative wrought iron, but almost any design could work. Add softness to the hard surfaces of the bench with a cushion and pillow in a complementary color.

What about storage? Every dining room needs a storage area to hold food and decorative accessories. As always, Matt came up with a great idea for a dining room buffet. The project was fairly easy because it was made from precut pieces of pine as well as pre-turned posts meant for an interior staircase railing. The finished product is so lovely that no one would ever guess how inexpensive it is to make. It adds both beauty and a much needed storage area to the dining room.

Is your dining room still looking a little blah? Well, I have another way to add some pizzazz. How about a stamped wall technique? First, choose a color for the base coat. If you are happy with the color the walls are already painted, don't bother to repaint. As long as the surface is free of dirt and grease, it will be fine. If you decide to repaint the walls, be sure to allow them to completely dry before starting on the stamping technique.

We choose a medium-sized pear as our stamp. We liked the size and we felt the curved shape would add some interest to the walls. Pears also seemed to fit the dining theme. To make the pears even more interesting, we decided to stamp them in gold.

Set your furniture in place and add the "stuff": artwork, greenery and decorative accessories. You have created far more than a budget dining room; you've crafted a place where holiday memories are made.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Turkey With Stuffing

Hi Friends,

Learn how to make turkey with stuffing with this recipe courtesy of Alton Brown.

Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown
Show: Good Eats

Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

one 10 to 12-lb. turkey, with giblets removed
1 qt. chicken broth
2 oz. dried mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 Tbs. vegetable oil, plus extra for rubbing on turkey
1 Tbs. Kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning turkey
3 cups Challah bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (from approximately 4 to 5 slices)
4 oz. unsweetened dried cherries, approximately 1 cup
2 oz. chopped pecans, approximately 1/2 cup
2 whole eggs, beaten
2 Tbs. dried rubbed sage
2 Tbs. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning chicken
Special equipment: one re-usable organic cotton produce bag*

* Cook's Note: The bag is optional. Once the stuffing is made, you can place the stuffing into the bag and then place the bag into the cavity of the turkey.

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the turkey into a deep, high-sided bowl on its end with the stuffing end up. Set aside. Heat the chicken broth in the microwave in a large microwave-proof container. Place mushrooms in a glass bowl and pour heated broth over them. Cover and allow to sit for 35 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the onion, celery, and green pepper with the oil and salt. Place the vegetables on a sheet pan and roast for 35 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, spread the cubed bread over the vegetables, return to the oven, and continue cooking.

Drain mushrooms, reserving 1 cup of liquid. Chop the mushrooms and place in a large microwave-proof bowl with the vegetables and bread, reserved chicken stock, cherries, pecans, eggs, sage, parsley and black pepper. Stir well in order to break up pieces of bread. Use your hands to combine, if necessary. Heat the stuffing in a microwave on high power for six minutes.

While the stuffing is heating, rub the bird with oil. Working quickly, place the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey to avoid losing heat. Place the turkey into a roasting pan, on a rack, and season with salt and pepper. Place the roasting pan on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for 45 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and cook for another 60 to 75 minutes or until the bird reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. Serve immediately.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Glittering Fall Table Setting and Centerpiece Ideas

Hi Friends,

8 Tips for Setting a Beautiful Table.

If you're hosting guests for a sit-down dinner, here are some tips for preparing a beautiful table.

1. Choose the kind of china that best suits the type of food your family enjoys. Simple foods look and taste best on simple country pottery. White china makes any food look good, as it won’t conflict with the color of the food. Buying a pattern that’s easy to match is the best bet. That way you can add mix-and-match pieces as the family grows or as dishes are broken and need to be replaced.

2. Buy extra soup bowls, as they have great versatility. Besides holding soup, they can be used as salad bowls, liquid condiment holders, small serving dishes, chip bowls and so on.

3. Large glass mugs and large wine glasses are the best bet for informal dining. Anything can be served in them, from water to wine, soft drinks to cranberry juice, with a gracious and generous feeling.

4. The table covering can be anything that inspires the palate. Try sheets, bed coverings or any material on which a hem can be sewn. Go ahead; get creative, be dramatic. The resulting “tablecloth” can set the mood. Lacy tablecloths, for example, bring a romantic touch to the dining experience.

5. Bring color to the table via cloth napkins. Put two napkins in different colors or patterns in one napkin ring to give each setting a colorful pop.

6. Fresh flowers are always nice to have on the table. Remember to keep them reasonable in size. If they’re too bushy, it’s hard to see and talk to each other through them. That sounds obvious, but we’ve all been to restaurants where the centerpiece inhibits communication.

7. Dessert dishes can be different in style and weight from the rest of the china. Soup bowls can be used as dessert dishes if the dessert is ice cream or other such runny after-dinner delight. Lighter, more delicate plates make the dessert seem lighter in calories. A little self-deception? Yes, but why not? We only live once.

8. When serving coffee, set the mood by using either fancy French china or down-to-earth mugs.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Easy-to-Make Holiday Wreath

Hi Friends,

Try this project for making a fun holiday wreath out of all-natural items.

Willard Scott welcomes Don Haynie from Buffalo Springs Herb Farm, who shares a great project for an easy-to-make holiday wreath created from natural items.

Buy a 12-inch wire frame and a block of floral foam. Divide the foam into three sections and press onto the frame to make indentations in the foam. Trim away the foam to fit the circular frame.

Fit foam onto the frame and then wrap with wreath wrap, or just use a garbage-can liner. Punch holes in the liner after wrapping and submerge the form in water for about 15 minutes.

Insert sprigs of boxwood around the frame. Keep working until the frame is covered, and insert smaller pieces of boxwood around the inside of the frame. Add shine to the wreath by spritzing with a little acrylic floor finish.

Add elements such as dried artichokes, okra pods, dried pomegranates, lady apples and other seasonal items. To mount the apples and pomegranates, gently carve a small hole in the items with a paring knife, squirt a little glue inside and insert a doubled-up pipe cleaner. Wrap the pipe cleaner around a wood pick and press the pick into the wreath.

Brighten up the wreath with some light-colored floral elements such as yarro blossoms, then add texture with sweetgum balls, lotus pods and fresh sage.

Finish up with wild rose hips and pine cones. Take the wreath down once a week and soak it in enough water to moisten the floral foam blocks and it will stay fresh and green for about six to eight weeks.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Bountiful Fall Wreath

Hi Friends,

Add a touch of fall to your front door with this easy-to-create wreath, perfect for welcoming Thanksgiving guests to your home.

Materials and Tools:

18-inch grapevine wreath base
3 or more large pinecones
3-5 faux artichokes
various faux pine sprigs
faux magnolia leaves
faux berries
faux seeded eucalyptus bush
hot glue and glue sticks
florist wire
wire snips
autumnal-colored ribbon
moss

Steps:

1. Start by securing the artichokes and pinecones to the wreath with florist wire or hot glue.

2. Fill in with pine sprigs and magnolia leaves, attaching them with wire or hot glue, placing them around the wreath at various lengths and angles. Tip: Don't forget to also cover the wreath's sides.

3. Next, snip small sections of eucalyptus and berry sprigs and attach them to the wreath with hot glue wherever you need additional texture or pops of color.

4. Cover any empty spaces, visible glue or stems with moss pieces attached with hot glue.

5. Finally, loop ribbon around wreath top and secure with a bow.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne