TURKEY LOG RECIPES

Steps:

• Remove the turkey from the fridge 1 hour before cooking to let it come up to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/gas 7. Finely chop the cranberries, then pick the leaves from a few thyme sprigs and mix with the butter, seasoning with a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Gently push a rubber spatula between the skin and the breast meat of the turkey to create a pocket, then push in half the butter and smooth it down with your fingers (see tip). Rub any excess butter from your hands over the skin, getting into all the nooks and crannies, then stuff half the remaining thyme sprigs into the cavity. Place the giblets in a large roasting tray with the remaining thyme, then sit the turkey on top and cover the bird snugly with tin foil. Place the turkey in the hot oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes per kilo for a higher-welfare bird, or 35 to 40 minutes per kilo for a standard bird. After 2 hours 40 minutes, remove the foil and spoon some fat from the bottom of the pan over the bird. Carefully dip the bacon in the meat juices and drape or weave over the bird. Return the turkey to the oven for the remaining time, or until golden and cooked through. To check if it’s cooked, stick a knife into the thickest part of the thigh – if the juices run clear and the meat pulls apart easily, it’s cooked. If not, cook it for a bit longer then check again. Use heavy-duty tongs to lift up your bird so all the juices run from the cavity into the tray, then transfer the turkey to a platter, cover with a double layer of foil and a tea towel, and leave to rest for up to 2 hours. Reserve the tray of giblets and juices to make my Chestnut gravy.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic. Pat turkey dry. Carefully loosen skin of turkey; rub butter mixture under the skin. Sprinkle salt and pepper over skin of turkey and inside cavity. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together., Place flour in oven bag and shake to coat. Place oven bag in a roasting pan; add celery and onions. Place turkey, breast side up, over vegetables. Cut six 1/2-in. slits in top of bag; close bag with tie provided., Bake at 350° for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 180°. Let stand for 15 minutes before carving. Skim fat and thicken drippings if desired., If preparing turkey the day before, pour drippings into a measuring cup; skim fat. Arrange slices in an ungreased shallow roasting pan; pour drippings over turkey. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight., The next day, bake at 350° for 45-65 minutes or until heated through.