Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year! It brings families and friends together to enjoy each other’s company and share a delicious meal. Amongst all the fun and festivity lies the responsibility of dishing up a memorable Christmas feast. We certainly aren’t all Masterchefs and you may well feel that the quest to deliver the perfect Christmas roast is more like mission impossible. Well you needn’t worry any longer! We are here to show you that with a little bit of guidance and preparation, you and your guests can enjoy the perfect Christmas Roast.
Key Tips:
- Take the turkey out of the fridge well before you are due to start cooking. You want it to come up to room temperature before you put it in the oven.
- Placing an orange inside the turkey will stop the turkey breasts cooking too quickly and gives a lovely scent to the turkey.
- Keep an eye on your turkey while it’s cooking. Most recipes will specify a certain temperature to set your oven at, however ovens will vary from one to the next so keep a close eye on things in case your turkey requires more or less cooking than stated in the recipe.
- Use a meat thermometer to track how things are going. You should cook/heat to an internal temperature of at least 72°C.
- Rest turkey for best results. When ready, take the turkey out of the oven and cover loosely with foil while you prepare the trimmings.
- Have at least one starter or entrée prepared the day before Christmas so that you can quickly and easily have food on the table without having to prepare it on the day.
The Perfect Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4kg turkey
- 1 large bunch thyme and rosemary
- 1 orange
- 75g butter
Instructions:
- Heat the oven to 220°C, 200°C fan forced, gas 7. Stuff the herbs and the orange into the turkey’s cavity. Rub the butter all over the skin, and season well.
- Place in a roasting tin, cover loosely with a tent of foil and roast for 30 minutes. Turn the oven down to 180°C, 160°C fan, gas 4, remove the foil and roast for 1 hour 30 minutes. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. As long as it’s over 72°C, it’s fine. You can check it after 90 minutes, as it may be cooked by then.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 45 minutes.
Source: Womanandhome.com