The first menu item we think of when we hear the word Thanksgiving is turkey!
We all have a different way of making our turkeys. Some like it traditional with stuffing on the inside. Others like to fry it. Personally, I prefer my mother’s recipe.
I remember watching my mom make her turkeys every Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was a process that left her hands orange from the Sazon seasoning and slippery from the stick of butter she squished into every crevice of her bird. And, oh, was it amazing! It was juicy, bursting with flavor, and nothing was ever left but the bones.
When my mother passed away, I thought that was the end of her amazing Thanksgiving turkey, until I came across a box of recipes she had written out for me. I had never bothered with it before because I naively thought she would always be around to cook for us, so I didn’t think I would need to use the recipes. In that box was a recipe card of her turkey recipe… and she had left a special message on it for me.
In her beautiful script, she had written out, “It is a wonderful time to be thankful to God that you are able to serve Brian & family,” at the beginning of the card, and “Happy Thanksgiving, Sweetheart,” at the end of the card. This recipe card has become so treasured for more than just the recipe. I treasure it because even though she is gone, I can still feel her love through those words.
I made my first turkey for Christmas Day 2008 (photo above). It was a huge success, and we were able to use the leftovers to make a delicious Turkey Stuffing Casserole.
For the last couple of years, I have had the honor of making the turkey for our family’s Thanksgiving at my in-law’s home. Mom’s recipe has come through and has been a hit each time.
I hope that if you choose to follow my mother’s recipe, that you and your family will enjoy it every bit as much as our family has.
The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Ever!
Equipment
- 1 Roaster
Ingredients
- 22 lb. turkey (any sized turkey is fine) (thawed)
- 4 packets Sazon
- Adobo or salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- 1 stick butter
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- olive oil (enough to brush over the entire turkey)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Line your roaster with aluminum foil. This will keep too much from sticking to the actual roaster.
- Wash/Rinse your turkey. Remove any of the packaging from the inside, and any excess skin.
- Cut slits all over the turkey to allow the seasonings to seep into the meat.
- Spread all of the ingredients (except the water) all over the turkey. Try to get under the skin with some of the seasonings, also.
- Pour the water onto the aluminum foil lining the roaster. Let the turkey sit in the water.
- Cover the turkey with aluminum foil. This will cause the turkey to be moist.
- Follow the cook time directions on the turkey's packaging.
