How to Make a Turkey Dinner

Thanksgiving is a very special time of year for many reasons; and no, I am not referring to the Thanksgiving day sales. Thanksgiving day is a time of harvest, when we give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. It is a time when families gather to celebrate it with a feast of foods. At the center of this is the stuffed turkey and the signature pumpkin pie. This is one of the most cherished and warmest times of year, because the focus is on all that is right and good in our lives and in the world. The recipe that I am going to share is what I consider to be a classic turkey dinner.

STEP 1: If the turkey is frozen, halve a deep pot with cold water. Then pour 3 tablespoons of salt and lemon juice in the pot. Place frozen turkey in the pot and let it marinate in the salt and lemon solution for about 8 to 10 hours. Turn turkey every 3 hours. Once the turkey has thawed enough, remove bagged innards from turkey and set aside. After 8 to 10 hours, remove turkey from pot and rinse. Then place in baking pan and set aside.

STEP 2: Pre-heat frying pan on medium heat. Meanwhile, season the ground meat with seasoning salt, a pinch of black pepper, chopped onions and 2 cloves of garlic. Then put seasoned meat in frying pan and cook. Stir constantly to avoid lumping. Do not over cook. Remove frying pan from stove after 8 to 10 minutes while ground meat is medium done, and set aside.

STEP 3: Now do the breaded stuffing; follow instructions on the Stove Top stuffing mix box.

STEP 4 IS OPTIONAL: Some people use the turkey parts, like the heart, liver etc. If this is you; cut up the turkey parts into smaller pieces and sprinkle some seasoning salt on them and then add to ground meat. Do not cook turkey parts (before stuffing turkey).

STEP 5: Combine ground meat and prepared stuffing mix. Fold until uniform.

STEP 6: Take 3 tablespoons of margarine and massage it thoroughly on the outside and inside of the turkey. Then sprinkle seasoning salt on the outside and inside of the turkey.

STEP 7: In the meantime preheat oven at 350 degrees. Then take turkey stuffing and stuff the turkey. Finally, pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan. Cover turkey with foil or lid and let it bake for 1 1/2 hours. Then remove foil or cover and let turkey bake 'til brown. Intermittently check on turkey and pour turkey juice over turkey while it's baking.

STEP 8: After an 1 1/2 turn oven temperature up to 375 degrees. Then bake for an additional 45 to 60 minutes or until thermometer pops up. Remove turkey from oven and then set aside to cool. Then serve. Bonne appetite!