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Thanksgiving Turkey and Ham Recipes: A Festive Delight

As the leaves turn to shades of amber and gold, and the days grow shorter, many households across the UK prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving. While this holiday is traditionally American, it has found a warm place in the hearts of many in Britain, too. Central to this festive occasion are the star attractions of the table: the succulent roast turkey and the delightful ham. Here, we present a few mouth-watering recipes to elevate your Thanksgiving feast.

Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 large turkey (about 4-5kg)
• 250g unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 litre chicken stock

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with kitchen paper.

2. Make the Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey over the breast, taking care not to tear it. Spread a generous amount of the herb butter under the skin and all over the turkey, ensuring to cover it evenly.

4. Fill and Ready: Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion and lemon for added flavour. Place the turkey on a roasting tray and pour the chicken stock into the base of the tray.

5. Roast: Cover the turkey loosely with foil and roast for about 2 hours. Remove the foil in the last 30-45 minutes to allow the skin to brown beautifully. Baste the turkey occasionally with the pan juices.

6. Check for Doneness: The turkey is ready when the juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh.

7. Rest: Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving, allowing the juices to redistribute for a succulent result.

Glazed Ham with Honey and Mustard

Ingredients:

• 1 whole cooked ham (about 2-3kg)
• 150g honey
• 50g Dijon mustard
• 50g soft brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Whole cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the ham in a large roasting tin and score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife.

2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

3. Glaze the Ham: Brush the glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham. If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections of the scored pattern for additional flavour.

4. Roast: Place the ham in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 1 hour, basting with the remaining glaze every 20 minutes.

5. Finishing Touch: Once the ham is beautifully caramelised and heated through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Both the turkey and ham are delightful served alongside traditional accompaniments such as roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. Don’t forget the gravy, made from the pan drippings of the turkey, for a truly indulgent meal.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and feasting. By preparing a roast turkey or glazed ham, you’ll create cherished memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the traditional American way or adapting it to fit your British lifestyle, these recipes promise to bring joy to your festivities. Happy Thanksgiving!

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