Women's Focus - December 2007 - (Page 66)

focus on F L A V O R C hri s tmas e ntr ees It’s the center p iece of most holiday meals – the turkey. And do zen times, actually. No one likes a dry turkey or one that is u nder-coo ke d. But, don’t worry. You’re only four steps away from holiday dinner bliss. Step One: Thaw. The best way to thaw a frozen turkey is in its original plastic wrapper in the fridge. The key to this method is to plan ahead and allow approximately 24 hours for every four or five pounds of weight for thawing. This method is the safest and will result in the best finished product. Be sure to place the bird, in the original wrapping, on a shallow baking sheet in the refrigerator. Didn’t leave enough time? Here’s a faster method: Cover the turkey with cold water in the sink and change out the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Allow one hour for each pound. in Focus9 foil and cover. Roast in a 325˚ F oven for about 20 minutes per pound, or until juices run clear when the turkey is pierced. You can also tell it is ready when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180˚ for a stuffed turkey (or 170˚ if unstuffed). Remember to remove the tent for the last hour of roasting so you can get a nice crispy skin. the first time yo u prepare it is scary. It can be scary after a Step Two: Prep. Remember to prep the turkey by removing the giblets and neck. Forgetting these will result in the taste of melted plastic or burnt innards in the meat. Next, rinse and dry the cavity; sprinkle with kosher or sea salt and pepper inside and out, then stuff some apples and onions (uncut with skins on) into the bird. Now, using skewers, fasten skin over the cavity. Step Four: Rest. When your turkey is cooked completely, remove it from the oven and pan, then transfer it to a warm platter. Tent again with foil and let it stand for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows time for juices at the surface of the bird to distribute evenly throughout the meat, preventing a dry bird and making carving much easier. Carving is an art form – one that takes many holidays to master. For the best demo and instructions available from the domestic goddess herself, click over to marthastewart.com and search for “turkey carving.” Step Three: Roast. Place your turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush with melted sweet cream butter or a flavorful oil. Make a loose tent of Ham for the Holidays Too chicken to go with a bird? Try a ham this Christmas – one that requires very little work. In fact, your in-laws might think you’ve cheated. Cooked, spiral-cut, honeyand sugar-glazed hams are increasingly popular for their terrific flavor and the simple prep (which is about as difficult as unwrapping a Christmas present). No slicing or cooking is required. W o m e n s F o c u s • w w w. F o c u s O n . c o m • D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 7 These packaged spiral-cut hams, whether bone-in or boneless, can last for several weeks refrigerated if kept in their original wrapping. Don’t freeze, even if you purchase yours early. Most specialty-store hams are cooked and only need reheating at 350˚ to an internal temperature of 140˚. They can also be served at room temperature. Just follow the directions that come with the ham. It’s a favorite every Christmas at our house because it is easy to prepare – I simply heat, add the sweet glaze that comes with it, and serve. ~Lisa HensHaLL 66 http://marthastewart.com http://www.FocusOn.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Women's Focus - December 2007

Women's Focus - December 2007 Contents BEAUTY & FASHION Quick Change Wichita's Next Top Model Contest FACTS & FUN 12 Months of Shoes Organizing Christmas Stocking Stuffers and Last Minute Gifts Indulge Yourself: Harley Davidson Save the Date FLAVOR Christmas Entrees in Focus Winter Vines FAMILY & FRIENDS Cathy Carrier Forget Me Not Gal: Brenda Glidewell In Her Shoes: Larry Doss Kissin' Tells: KZSN Survey Results Sierra's Stars: Daniel Richardson Social Circle HEALTH Ask Dick & Jane Austism and A Gluten-Free Diet Endometriosis & Infertility Lexi's L.A.M.B.S. Losing Big HOME & GARDEN Crafts: Gingerbread Ornament Don't Bark Up the Wrong Tree This Christmas Holiday Homes Poinsettia Passion That's A Wrap Winter Wonders TRAVEL & LEISURE City Culture Share a Love of Reading with Your Child

Women's Focus - December 2007

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