Monday, November 12, 2012

Cajun Roast Turkey w/ Cornbread Oyster Stuffing + Thanksgiving Sides

It's that time of year again to begin planning my Thanksgiving menu. I like to look through my stash of treasured recipes handed down from my dear mother and grandmother and create a menu that honors them, but also includes a few of my own as well. Here is what I have so far and I'll be adding more, so stay tuned.  Out of this world and sure to please your family and guests. Cest bon, cher!

Cajun Roast Turkey w/ Cornbread Oyster Stuffing

1 10 to 12 lb. turkey
2 stalks celery, quartered
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2 tsp.'s garlic, minced
Cajun turkey rub to taste (recipe below)
2 to 3 cups chicken broth
4 tbs.'s fresh thyme, chopped and divided
4 tbs.'s fresh parsley, chopped and divided
2 tbs.'s fresh sage, chopped and divided

Wash turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Rub entire bird with the Cajun rub, including cavity. Make a slit under the skin of the breast and stuff with garlic, salt, and half of the herbs. Stuff cavity with celery, remaining herbs, and onions.

Tie legs together, and tuck wings back, dot with butter,  and place in a large shallow roasting pan with rack. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the pan and bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 3 to 4 hours (for unstuffed), and 3 (1/2) to 4 (1/2) hours for stuffed, or until a meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees.

 Add more chicken broth, as needed during cooking and baste often with a turkey baster. Remove and discard vegetables in cavity and reserve pan drippings for gravy. Let turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Fab!

Cajun Turkey Rub

 2 tbs.'s salt
2 tbs.'s onion powder

2 tbs.'s garlic powder
2 tbs.'s paprika
1 tbs. cayenne pepper
1 tbs. black pepper
1 tbs. bay leaves, crushed
1 tbs. dried sage

1 tbs. dried thyme

Combine all ingredients and blend well.

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Click on Title to View Recipes

Cornbread Oyster Stuffing






Nanny's Praline-Sweet Potato Casserole 


String Bean Casserole

Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce













Mama's Sweet Potato Biscuits














Bon appetit!

I'll be sharing these at ~
Full Plate Thursday @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage 
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

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More Festival Fun

Here's a little clip that a friend of mine took at Festival Acadiens in October. Wayne Toups and ZydeCajun were reving it up and the crowd was going wild. Lassier les bon temps rouler, cher!



Hope that ya'll have a wonderful, fun week. Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

10 comments:

Linda Starr said...

ok there are several recipes here I want to try the sweet potato casserole and the jalapeno cranberries and the oyster stuffing and, well that's about all of them, had the string beans before and I do like them too. Hope you are doing well.

Big Dude said...

Looks like a fine spread and as always, I enjoyed the music.

Susanna Powers said...

hi Marguerite, for the last few years we've gone to Orange Beach at Thanksgiving & had dinner at a buffet, but this year the timing wasn't right, so I'm planning to cook a humble Thanksgiving dinner for our 2-person family. I will definitely print out the turkey instructions! looks great. Happy Thanksgiving, sp

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

Great roundup... do yo have a Pinterest page??? would love to follow

Dave
formerly Tear on the Grill

Unknown said...

Cajun and Turkey, what a great combo! Sounds and looks delish!

Pam said...

Ummmm! Love all that Cajun goodness! It all sounds good to me, esp. the cornbread oyster stuffing. Thanks for the recipe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Pam said...

By the way, I hope all is well your way and you're doing fine now, my friend!

Connie said...

Yum . . . how does one get another setting at your table? Someday we have got to travel your way and get some real Cajun food.

Happy Thanksgiving
Connie :)

Mariel said...

This looks so delicious! I would love to have you come share this or any of your great ideas at the link party on ‘Or so she says…' There’s one going on right now (and every Saturday – Tuesday). Hope to see you there! www.oneshetwoshe.com

Eddie Bluelights said...

Gosh!! I've missed a super Roast Turkey and a dance - slapped wrists!! It ALL looks sinfully delicious!