Christmas Turkey: Exciting Ideas for Your Holiday Bird

No Comments | Written on December 20, 2011 at 3:00 pm, by Nichol Nelson

Creole-Butter Roasted Turkey There’s no reason to limit your annual consumption of roast turkey to Thanksgiving—Christmas dinner is a natural fit for this gorgeous (and tasty!) bird. It’s easy to make, feeds a large crowd easily, and pairs wonderfully with an array of delicious side dishes.

To avoid the impression that your Christmas meal is just a Thanksgiving do-over, opt for a turkey recipe that’s a departure from what you served at your Turkey Day feast. If you presented a traditional herb-rubbed bird, Christmas dinner is the time to showcase an out-of-the-ordinary bird.

Try a maple-brine, an apple-and-shallot glaze, or even a Creole-butter sauce. Your guests will appreciate your creativity, and you’ll be thrilled that the meal feels special. No matter what recipe you choose, be sure to adhere to the basics of turkey roasting: Get the temperature to 165F before you take the bird out of the oven, and be sure to rest the turkey for at least 20 minutes before slice. With these great recipes and those easy tips, you can create a Christmas turkey worthy of its own feast.

Maple-Brined Turkey: Adding sweet maple syrup to the brine is the trick to a rich, juicy turkey.