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Mary Berry Christmas Turkey

Mary Berry Christmas Turkey
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Mary Berry’s Christmas Turkey is a classic roast turkey recipe, featuring an herb butter rub, a flavorful stuffing, and a technique for even cooking. The turkey is roasted until golden brown with a crisp skin and is traditionally served with classic sides like roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and gravy.

Ingredients

For the turkey

  • Whole Turkey (10-12 lbs) – Ensure it’s thawed if frozen.
  • Butter (½ cup, softened) – Used to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
  • Fresh Herbs (2 tbsp, chopped) – A mix of rosemary, thyme, and sage for the herb butter.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning.
  • Olive Oil (1-2 tbsp) – Helps the skin crisp up.

For the Stuffing

  • Sausage Meat (½ lb) – Adds flavor and richness.
  • Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – For texture in the stuffing.
  • Onion (1 small, finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs (1 tbsp, chopped) – Sage and thyme work well.
  • Apple (1, peeled and chopped) – Adds a slight sweetness and moisture.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Seasoning for the stuffing.

For the Gravy

  • Pan Drippings (from the roasted turkey) – For a rich, flavorful gravy.
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp) – To thicken the gravy.
  • Chicken or Turkey Stock (2 cups) – To add depth to the gravy.

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey and Herb Butter

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. This herb butter will be rubbed under the skin of the turkey for flavor and moisture.
  3. Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin on the turkey breast with your hands and spread half of the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the turkey.
  4. Season and Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and season generously with salt and pepper.

Make the Stuffing

  1. Prepare the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, herbs, apple, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Stuff Turkey: Place the stuffing in the neck cavity of the turkey, then tuck the skin flap underneath and secure it with kitchen string. Do not overstuff the main cavity to allow even cooking.

Roast the Turkey

  1. Truss the Turkey: Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wings under the body.
  2. Place in Roasting Pan: Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up.
  3. Roast Turkey: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 2.5-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist.
  4. Rest the Turkey: Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps retain juices for a tender turkey.

Make the Gravy

  1. Prepare the Gravy: Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the drippings and whisk until smooth.
  2. Add Stock: Gradually add the chicken or turkey stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-christmas-turkey/