How to Make the Perfect Christmas Dinner
The holidays are a time for family, friends and of course, food. While you’re loved ones may be content with just about anything you put on the table, why not goes the extra mile this year and make a Christmas dinner that will really wow them? This guide will show you how to make a delicious and memorable holiday feast.
The Main Event: Turkey
No Christmas dinner would be complete without a big, juicy turkey as the star of the show. When it comes to picking out the right bird, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide how many people you’ll be feeding. A good rule of thumb is one pound per person. So if you’re expecting eight guests, aim for an eight-pound turkey.
Once you’ve selected the size of your turkey, it’s time to choose what kind you want. There are three main types of turkeys: frozen, fresh and Kosher.
Froze turkeys are usually the most affordable option and can be well in advance of Christmas dinner. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to thaw the turkey properly. It should be completely thaw (and kept at a safe temperature) for 24 hours for every four to five pounds.
Fresh turkeys are just that – fresh. They haven’t been frozen, so they’ll be more expensive than their frozen counterparts. But they also tend to be more flavorful and juicier. If you opt for a fresh turkey, make sure to pick it up no more than two days before you plan to cook it.
Kosher turkeys have been prepare in accordance with Jewish dietary law. They’re also generally quite large – often 20 pounds or more. If you go this route, you’ll likely have leftovers for days.
Once you’ve picked out the perfect turkey, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. First, remove the giblets (the heart, liver and other organs) from the inside of the bird. These can be used to make gravy or stuffing, or simply discarded.
Next, rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, place it breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
You’ll also want to give the turkey a little flavor boost by rubbing it down with a mixture of butter, herbs and spices. Some classic seasonings for turkey include salt, pepper, sage and thyme.
Once your turkey is all prepped and seasoned, it’s time to put it in the oven. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your bird, but you can generally expect it to take about 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you’re making a 20-pound turkey, it will need to roast for about five hours.
To check if your turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (being careful not to touch the bone). The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your turkey is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This will give the juices time to redistribute, making for a juicier and more flavorful bird.
Gravy and Stuffing:
While the turkey is the main event, there are a few other dishes that are essential to a memorable Christmas dinner. Gravy and stuffing are two of the most popular holiday side dishes, and they’re both relatively easy to make.
Gravy is essentially a sauce from the drippings of roasted meat. To make gravy, start by removing the fat from the pan drippings using a spoon or a fat separator. Then, add a few spoonfuls of flour to the drippings and whisk until it’s combine.
Next, slowly add in some chicken or turkey stock, whisking constantly until the gravy is smooth and thickened. Season the gravy to taste with salt and pepper, then pour it into a serving dish and keep it warm until you’re ready to serve.
Stuffing is another holiday staple that can be easily ahead of time. To make traditional stuffing, start by sautéing some chopped onion and celery in a bit of butter. Then, add in some chopped fresh herbs like sage, thyme and parsley.
Conclusion:
There’s no doubt about it – Christmas dinner can be a lot of work. But with a little planning and preparation, you can make the process a whole lot easier. By picking the right turkey and getting your entire side dishes ready ahead of time, you can relax and enjoy the holiday festivities stress-free.