Roasted Turkey and Sage/Sausage Stuffing

image_pdfimage_print

This Roasted Turkey and Sage/Sausage Stuffing is a special edition post to the pantry.

roasted turkey
roasted turkey

Roasting a turkey is all about keeping it moist. Years ago you heard of people roasting in a paper bag. Now we have less flammable alternatives, like browning bags made for oven temps.
My recipe for both is basic and you can certainly add different spices as you please.

Ingredients:
Turkey, any size, fresh or frozen, defrosted
One pkg Reynolds turkey size browning bags
Bell’s Seasoning (it’s the little yellow box with the turkey on it)
Ground sage
1/2 stick of butter
2 carrots peeled and cut into 3 pcs.
2 celery stalks, cut into 3 pcs.
1 large onion, quartered

Directions
Wash the turkey and smooth the butter under the breast skin and all over the turkey skin too. Liberally sprinkle the sage and Bell’s seasoning all over the turkey. If you are going to stuff the turkey do it now. If you stuff the turkey then tie the legs together. You can add a meat thermometer to the breast area if you wish. Turkey needs to be 180 degrees when done. Prepare the oven bag according to the directions. Place the turkey in the bag.
Place the cut veggies all around the turkey. Close the bag as directed on the browning bag box. Roast according to the time and temperature indicated on the browning bag box and your size turkey. Once the turkey is done let it sit for about an hour before carving.

The Basic Stuffing;
2  12oz Bags bread cubes, unseasoned if possible
1 TBLS Bell’s Seasoning (little yellow box next to the Thanksgiving groceries)
1 TBLS ground sage
1 large onion, minced
4 stalks celery, cut fine
1 stick of butter, unsalted
4 cups unsalted or low sodium chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 LB Italian sausage, if you get links remove the casing

stuffing
stuffing

Options;
** you can add a few tablespoons of chopped cooked mushrooms etc..**

Directions;
In a pot big enough to hold all the stuffing, sauté the veggies and sausage in the butter until soft but not brown. Breaking up the sausage as it cooks.
Add the broth to the pot and heat to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the seasonings and the bread cubes to the pot. Mix together and then add the beaten egg. Mixing it thoroughly. Place stuffing in the turkey loosely or bake in a covered pan that has been greased. Bake in the covered pan for about 30 minutes at 350.