5 STAR TURKEY RECIPES

Steps:

• Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt. Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture.
• Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover with the white wine.
• Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Melt butter in saute pan.
• Add onion, celery, pepper, salt, carrots, and mushrooms (optional).
• Saute until vegetables are tender.
• Add flour and stir until vegetables are coated.
• Add wine, and stir quickly until flour is absorbed.
• Gradually add broth, stirring constantly.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Remove from heat.
• Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and the Neufchatel cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
• Add the peas, turkey and pasta.
• Stir until blended.
• Coat a casserole with non-stick spray and transfer mixture to the casserole.
• Combine breadcrumbs (or panko) with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Sprinkle mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Bake at 350 for 30 minutes until lightly browned.
• Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.