18 Paul Ainsworth Christmas Turkey Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!

Ingredients

For the turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 stick of butter, softened
• Salt and pepper

For the stuffing:

• 8 cups of cubed bread (white or wheat)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• 1 cup of dried cranberries
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of dried sage
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a roasting pan and tuck the wings under the body. Season the inside of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the onion, lemon, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.

Step 2: Preparing the Stuffing

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and apple and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the dried cranberries and sage and cook for an additional minute. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and the vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the bread is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Stuffing and Roasting the Turkey

Spoon the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey, making sure not to overstuff it. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and rub the softened butter all over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the turkey with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 2 hours.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

After 2 hours, remove the foil and continue to roast for an additional 45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees F. Baste the turkey with the juices every 15 minutes. Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your deliciously roasted turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. Don't be surprised if your guests go back for seconds or even thirds! In conclusion, with Paul Ainsworth's Christmas turkey recipe, you'll have a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday meal. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your amazing cooking skills. Happy holidays and happy feasting!