Thanksgiving Feast

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (4.5 kg / 10 lbs) 1 whole turkey (4.5 kg / 10 lbs)
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried sage 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 cups (473 ml) milk 2 cups (473 ml) milk
• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 5 lbs (2.3 kg) potatoes, peeled and cubed 5 lbs (2.3 kg) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (240 ml) turkey drippings 1 cup (240 ml) turkey drippings
• 1 cup (240 ml) cranberry juice 1 cup (240 ml) cranberry juice
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 lb (450 g) green beans, trimmed 1 lb (450 g) green beans, trimmed
• 4 tablespoons (56 g) butter 4 tablespoons (56 g) butter
• 1 lb (450 g) dinner rolls 1 lb (450 g) dinner rolls
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, for serving Whipped cream, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal / 2720 KJ
• Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 18g)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (Sugars: 18g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. 4.
   Rub the turkey with melted butter, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the turkey.
5. 5.
   Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the pan.
6. 6.
   Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast for 3 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
8. 8.
   While the turkey is roasting, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and return to the pot.
9. 9.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over low heat until warm.
10. 10.
    Mash the potatoes, gradually adding the warm milk mixture, until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. 11.
    For the gravy, pour the turkey drippings into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and water to make a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering drippings until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
12. 12.
    In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, sugar, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Let cool.
13. 13.
    Steam the green beans until tender-crisp, then toss with butter and season with salt and pepper.
14. 14.
    Bake the dinner rolls according to package instructions.
15. 15.
    In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
16. 16.
    Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a pie dish. Pour the pumpkin filling into the crust.
17. 17.
    Bake the pie at 220°C (425°F) for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 180°C (350°F) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set.
18. 18.
    Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve the Thanksgiving Feast with all the prepared sides and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turkey — To ensure a moist and flavorful turkey, brine it overnight before roasting. This will enhance the juiciness and tenderness of the meat.
• Cranberry sauce — For a twist, add a splash of orange liqueur to the cranberry sauce while simmering to elevate the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy turkey skin, brush the turkey with melted butter every 30 minutes during roasting.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the turkey with a roasted butternut squash stuffed with a flavorful wild rice and vegetable medley.
• Make the mashed potatoes extra creamy by adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter cranberry sauce, add a touch of maple syrup or honey while simmering.
• Serve the pumpkin pie with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

Serving advice

Serve the Thanksgiving Feast family-style, with all the dishes placed on the table for everyone to help themselves. Encourage guests to savor each bite and enjoy the communal experience of sharing a meal together.

Presentation advice

Arrange the roasted turkey on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an elegant centerpiece. Serve the sides in beautiful serving bowls and dishes, creating a colorful and inviting spread. For the pumpkin pie, dust it with powdered sugar and serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream.