Nothing says Thanksgiving like a Roast Turkey Dinner. Enjoying a special meal together is a great way to gather and build memories during the holiday season. As we approach Thanksgiving, many of our Pacifica Senior Living communities are cooking up delicious turkey delights and hosting Thanksgiving meals. This recipe, from Pacifica Senior Living Escondido features a traditional-style roast turkey with festive cranberry stuffing, and delicious, savory turkey gravy.
Pair it with a perfect side dish like our bacon wrapped green beans, or duchess potatoes for an amazing holiday meal. And if you're looking for something sweet to add, we have many dessert recipes such as pumpkin cheesecake. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to the perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner.
Pacifica Senior Living Escondido has a wonderful dining program where residents can enjoy a range of great meal options. Our chefs, dining service directors, and culinary team are constantly working to bring new and exciting dishes to the table, while also highlighting classic home comfort favorites. From amazing entrees, to delicious deserts, there is always something wonderful to enjoy.
This Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffing recipe comes from our Dining Service Director at Pacifica Senior Living Escondido, Tin Nguyen. Tin has been the DSD at Escondido for over 4 years now, and is an amazing chef who was classically trained in French Cuisine at the Art Institute of San Diego. He has worked in the senior living field since he was 16 years old, and worked his way up through various kitchen roles from dishwasher to server, cook, sous chef, and now chef management. He loves being able to be creative with his dishes and bring joy to others through his food. Tin lives in Escondido and is happily married with three wonderful daughters.
Ingredients
Roasted Turkey
- 1 Whole Turkey
- 2 Whole Carrots
- 1 bunch of Celery
- 1 Onion, peeled and cut in half.
- 6 Tsp of Thyme
- 8 Cups of Water
- Salt and Pepper
Cranberry Stuffing
- 1 Loaf of Bread, cut into cubes
- 5 stalks of Celery, cubed
- 1 Onion, cubed
- 1 Tbs of Thyme
- 1 Cup Dried Cranberries
- 4 Cups Turkey Broth
Turkey Gravy
- 1/2 Cup of Flour
- 1/2 Cup of Butter
- 4 Cups Turkey Broth
Preparation
Turkey:
In a roasting pan, place the thyme and roughly cut onion, celery and carrots. Rest the whole turkey on the bed of vegetables. Add water to the pan and season the turkey with salt and pepper. Roast the turkey in the oven at 350 degrees until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. When the turkey is done, drain the juice in a pot to use for the stuffing and gravy.
Cranberry Stuffing
Using dry, bread (ideally a loaf that is a couple days old) cut into cubes. Sauté the celery, onions and thyme in a stove-top pan on medium heat for roughly 5-8 minutes, or until softened. Add the sautéed vegetables, the cubed bread and the dried cranberries to a bake-proof pan and mix together. Pour turkey broth over the mixture and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until browned.
Turkey Gravy
In a stove-top pot, combine flour and butter. Cook on medium-low heat and add in turkey broth, stirring constantly until thickened.
Great food and nutritional meals are an important part of our Pacifica Senior Living communities. You can learn more about our Culinary Program and how we ensure delicious and healthy options here, or come visit us and enjoy a complimentary meal as part of your tour.
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BON APPETIT!
