Thanksgiving turkey with challah!

Thanksgiving turkey with challah!

INGREDIENTS:

Turkey:

• 1 10-12 pound turkey
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp salt

Stuffing:

• 4 cups cubed challah
• 1/4 cup oil or margarine
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 cup canned mushrooms, drained and finely diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. pepper

Basting:

• 3/4 cup oil
• 1 Tbsp. paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION:

Turkey:

1. Buy a turkey large enough for family and friends - at least a pound for each person. Then add a few extra pounds for leftovers.
2. A frozen turkey will take 24 hours to defrost for every five pounds.


Defrost in the refrigerator; Never thaw a turkey at room temperature. A 20-pound turkey will take 4 days to defrost.

3. Rinse turkey and pat dry.
4. Place sliced onions and celery on bottom of roasting pan. Add water and salt, then place a rack over vegetables.

Stuffing:
1. Soak challah in hot water until soft, squeeze out water.
2. Heat margarine in skillet. Saute vegetables for about 5 minutes.
3. Mix challah and vegetables. Add beaten eggs and spices. Mix well.
4. Stuff into turkey. Bake extra stuffing in greased dish along with turkey, basting with drippings.

Cooking and Basting:

1. Place turkey, breast side up, on rack in roasting pan.
2. Place in a preheated 325 degrees Fahrenheit oven.
3. Baste with the oil and spice mixture to ensure the turkey will be evenly browned.
4. When the skin is a light golden color and the turkey is about two-thirds done, shield the breast loosely with a tent of lightweight foil to prevent overcooking of the breast.
5. Cook until juices run clear. The turkey is done when 180 degrees Fahrenheit is reached in the thigh, 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast, or 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the center of the stuffing. Some recommend cooking 15-20 minutes a pound (less if the turkey is unstuffed and more if it is stuffed), but using a meat thermometer is the best method for knowing how long to cook the turkey.
6. Let the turkey stand 20 minutes before carving.