Getting ready to prep your Harvest meal? Let Seward Co-op help make the day run a little more smoothly with a few tips and tricks.
Most turkeys have been frozen in their processing. Each needs time to thaw, and frozen birds need approximately 24 hours in the fridge for each four pounds (for example, a 12-pound bird would need three days). Time is one of the most important ingredients people forget during their Harvest meal planning, so make sure to factor it into yours!
Wet and dry brining are excellent ways to flavor your meat inside and out. Additionally, the salt in brines helps break down muscle fibers which leads to more succulent and tender turkey. Dry brines involve mixing salt and herbs to rub on the inside and outside of the meat. Wet brines help increase the moisture in your meat. Either way, ensure you have the appropriate amount of time to brine for your most flavorful centerpiece.
A lot of people toss the giblets or mince them to put into stuffing, and these are all great options! Another to consider is adding them to your gravy. Necks, gizzards, and hearts can add a delicious, meaty flavor to your gravy. Be sure to pull out the liver, though, as it can add an irony, metallic flavor.
Gravy can be made ahead, but if you plan to make it while the turkey rests, grab the drippings from your turkey to use for gravy. Not only does it add a delicious turkey flavor from its juices, the fond, or crispy bits on the bottom of the pan, impart a rich, roasted flavor to your gravy. If the fond is especially stuck to the bottom of the pan, add a little bit of hot water and whisk to help release it.
Counter space comes at a premium during the holidays. Save a little room by roasting veggies in a grill pan or in foil packets outdoors. Beets, sweet potatoes, and cubed winter squash tossed in oil and herbs are a wonderful turkey accompaniment, and the grill adds a depth of flavor via smoke and char to a classic side dish.
Folks are used to a sweet pie for dessert at their Harvest meal, but for those dining on veggies, it can be part of the main course! Savory root veggie tarts or galettes with delicious seasonal flavors can be filling and gorgeous. Try potato and goat cheese, leeks and kale, squash, or herby mushrooms as filling for versatile flavors.
