Thanksgiving 2020 will be very different this year. There are fewer people traveling, and fewer family gatherings this year because of Covid 19.
In addition, we all have more blessings to count.
We can still enjoy our favorite foods and beverages, however !!! What would Thanksgiving be without them?
My easy way to cook turkey for Thanksgiving 2020
EASY NO FUSS THANKSGIVING TURKEY
INGREDIENTS:
1 12-20 POUND TURKEY
ONION 1 PEELED AND QUARTERED
LEMON, QUARTER 1
APPLE 1 QUARTERED
CONTAINER FRESH ROSEMARY .75 OC
.75 OC CONTAINER FRESH THYME
CONTAINER FRESH SAGE .75 OC
For the HERB BUTTER
1 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER SOFTENED
1 TEASPOON SALT
1/2 TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER
6-8 CLOVES GARLIC MINCED
FRESH HOPPED HERBS
INSTRUCTIONS
IF THE TURKEY IS FROZEN THAW IN THE FRIDGE 24 HOURS FOR EVERY 5 POUNDS OF TURKEY.
REMOVE THE THAWED TURKEY FROM THE FRIDGE 1 HOUR BEFORE ROASTING TO LET IT COME TO ROOM TEMPERATURE.
ADJUST YOUR OVEN RACK SO THE TURKEY WILL SIT IN THE CENTER OF THE PREHEATED OVEN OF 325 DEGREES f
MAKE THE HERB BUTTER BY COMBINING ROOM TEMPERATURE BUTTER, MINCED GARLIC, SALT, PEPPER, ONE TABLESPOON FRESH CHOPPED ROSEMARY, ONE TABLESPOON FRESH CHOPPED THYME, AND HALF A TABLESPOON OF FRESH CHOPPED SAGE. (REMAINING SAGE WILL GO INSIDE CAVITY OF THE TURKEY)
REMOVE THE TURKEY FROM THE PACKAGING AND REMOVE THE NECK AND GIBLETS FROM THE INSIDE THE CAVITIES OF THE BIRD (RESERVE THEM FOR GRAVY) PAT THE TURKEY VERY DRY WITH PAPER TOWELS.
SEASON THE CAVITY OF THE TURKEY WITH SALT AND PEPPER. STUFF IT WITH THE QUARTERED LEMON, ONION APPLE, AND THE LEFTOVER HERBS.
USE YOUR FINGERS TO LOOSEN AND LIFT THE SKIN ABOVE THE BREAST (TOP OF TURKEY) AND SMOOTH A FEW TABLESPOONS OF THE HERB BUTTER UNDERNEATH.
TUCK THE WINGS OF THE TURKEY UNDERNEATH THE TURKEY AND SET THE TURKEY ON A ROASTING RACK INSIDE A ROASTING PAN.
MICROWAVE THE REMAINING HERB BUTTER MIXTURE FOR 30 SECONDS TO JUST SOFTEN. USE A BASTING BRUSH TO BRUSH THE REMAINING HERB BUTTER ALL OVER THE THE OUTSIDE OF THE TURKEY, LEGS AND WINGS.
YOU SHOULD CHECK THE TURKEY ABOUT HALFWAY THROUGH COOKING. IN ADDITION ONCE THE SKIN GETS GOLDEN BROWN COVER THE TOP OF THE TURKEY WITH TINFOIL.
THIS PROTECTS THE BREAST MEAT FROM OVERCOOKING. HOWEVER, YOU CAN START COOKING WITH IT COVERED AND UNCOVER IN THE LAST HOUR TO BROWN.
ROAST AT 325 DEGREES F FOR ABOUT 3-15 MINUTES PER POUND OR UNTIL INTERNAL TEMPERATURE REACHES 165 DEGREES. (INSERT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE THIGH AND BREAST)
Additional Information Thanksgiving 2020
NOTE: I REMOVE THE TURKEY FROM THE OVEN AT 160 DEGREES.
I TENT IT WITH FOIL AND LET IT REST ON THE COUNTER. IT WILL CONTINUE COOKING TO 165 DEGREES. THEREFORE; ALLOWING TURKEY TO REST FOR 20-30 MINUTES BEFORE CARVING.
RESERVE ANY DRIPPINGS AND JUICE IN YOUR ROASTING PAN TO MAKE TURKEY GRAVY.
SERVE WITH YOUR FAVORITE SIDE DISHES OF THINGS LIKE CRANBERRY SAUCE, MASHED POTATOES, SALAD, ETC. And don’t forget that wines go great with entertaining for this holiday too!
THE BEST WINES TO GO WITH Thanksgiving 2020 TURKEY
Rich whites, to earthy fruit-driven reds. Pairing wine with your Thanksgiving turkey is actually easier than you might think.
A Chardonnay: you can’t go wrong with turkey. The wine’s crisp acidity, mineral undertone, and fruit nature bring out the best that Turkey has to offer. (oh, and a Chardonnay is good for basting turkey too !)
Pinot Noir: For those of you who are red wine lovers, Pinot Noir with turkey is a no-brainer. The high acidity makes it a great choice for the turkey in addition to the side dishes.
Viognier: The Viognier is not as popular as a Chardonnay; however, it is considered a perfect match with turkey. Fleshy and round, juicy stone fruit flavors and floral, honeyed undertones. Haven’t tried a viognier? Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start.
Riesling: No better time to break your guests’ stereotype of the explosive sugars. Dry Riesling is back! High in acid, abundant in minerality, and over-delivering in versatility. Great with turkey, stuffing, and all other Thanksgiving sides.
Zinfandel: There is a reason why Zinfandel has long been a Thanksgiving Day favorite. This is one of the best wines with turkey. It is Juicy and fruit-forward.
In addition to the other wines, there is, of course;
Champagne: And of course, no holiday is a true celebration without a bottle of bubbly.
In conclusion
I hope this helps you plan a “traditional” Thanksgiving in 2020.
If it’s a Zoom event, you can toast with a fine wine. Our wines are the finest from Napa and Sonoma Valley of California. Delivered to your door or the door of a family member or friend as your Thanksgiving gift to them. I hope you can enjoy your 2020 holiday season.
Sign up for my newsletter for more helpful information. And join my Facebook Page or YouTube channel.
