Look Who it Was Random video

I Spatchcocked a Turkey

482 views · Published 25 November 2016 · 9:37 · Indexed 30 September 2026

Channel: Music Is A Rainbow · 2016 · People & Blogs

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*Disclaimer:  This video portrays real life. Cooking with children around.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I host on rare occasions and was a bit stressed out as I decided to try new things, but it all turned out great!

It was my foodie brother who first introduced me to the word "spatchcock".  My reaction was, "You're going to do WHAT to the chicken?"  Well, that chicken turned out amazing and I wondered what it would be like to spatchcock a turkey.  After doing some reading, I couldn't think of any reason not to do so except for the fact that it wouldn't look very traditional.  But I hate dry white meat and if I'm going to spend hours preparing a turkey, it better taste good!

My brother's turkey had been brined before and I definitely wanted to try that too, but felt a little intimidated by it, but it's nothing to fear.  My turkey would be even more amazing if I brined it.

But another tip!  I was watching a chef on TV years ago when he showed everyone how to cut a slit in the skin and rub herbed butter underneath it.  My mind was blown.  I tried it and it produced some pretty dang good turkey, but could I make it even better?

I combined all of these methods and I could hardly believe I was eating white meat.  I was very, very proud.  Also, sad that my brother wasn't there so I could rub it in his face how my turkey was perhaps even better than his.  Bwah hahahahahaaaaaa!!!!  

I started the turkey at 425 for 30 minutes, then turned it town to 375 for the rest.  I actually cooked in less than two hours.  And no, you do not need to flip the turkey over.  

For the gravy, I started with a roux - 4 T of butter in a saucepan, then 4 T flour when melted, whisked it over medium heat, added a couple cups or so of the turkey stock, and then the pan drippings.  I just added a little garlic powder.  The brine from the bird made it salty enough.  I whisked it at a low boil until it was thick enough.  

I had to shop at the last minute due to my pinkeye, which caused me to make other decisions like using an already seasoned bread mixture for the stuffing because they were out of the one I wanted.  I actually couldn't tell the difference.  I just didn't add any thyme.  I pretty much hated stuffing until my friend made hers.  I like more of a dry stuffing and the sausage makes it so delicious!

The store was out of green beans too.  I don't know if they had canned because I hate canned.  I was determined to get frozen or nothing.  In previous years I did fresh, but I knew I wouldn't have that kind of time.  I grabbed a bag of frozen broccoli and decided I would make something similar with that.  I found a great recipe.  http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cheesy-cheddar-broccoli-casserole.

I felt nervous for today, but now I'm thrilled to have some delicious leftovers and confidence about future Thanksgivings.  Me and my siblings - all of us knock ourselves out when it comes to cooking.  It's how we show love.  :-D  

Let me know if you have any questions about how I cooked my turkey!

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