This year, ditch the big holiday feast and cook a delicious meal for two instead! We’ve got recipes for a perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
It’s that time of year again when families get together for huge turkey dinners, desserts and presents. But what about the new families, the couples starting out on their own or the people who are far from friends and loved ones? How can you celebrate and enjoy a holiday feast without having to cook a huge turkey where most of it will go to waste?
Here are a few easy solutions to have that perfect holiday meal made for only a small number of people.
Turkey Dinner Made Easy
Most grocery stores and butcher shops will have pre-cut, packaged turkey breasts for sale. Try and find one that still has the skin on. This portion size is ideal for a two, three or even four person meal. Take it home and thaw, or buy fresh a few days beforehand. Get a small roasting pan, deep enough to catch drippings yet small enough to fit in a large toaster/convection oven (or you can use your regular oven if you have one).
Cut an onion into wedges and cut a few carrots and/or celery stalks into large chunks and place the spread-out turkey breast on top of them, skin side up. If you are not squeamish about raw meat, try and slide some butter under the turkey skin. Season with herbs and spices, some salt and a little olive oil on top. Cover with tin foil and place in your oven at 350°F.
When the turkey breast is about a half hour from being done, remove the tinfoil so that the skin will brown nicely. Once done place on a cutting board and cover with the tin foil while it rests for approximately 15 minutes or so, depending on how hungry you are and how quickly you get everything else put together. Take the roasting pan and drain the drippings into a sauce-pan so you can make a nice gravy.
Sides and Gravy
While the turkey is roasting, make your mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and vegetables, plus stuffing (the boxed stuff works just fine) plus whatever other side dishes you enjoy or are part of your traditional meal. For new families this is a good chance to create your own traditions as well.
Take your drippings and skim the layer of oil off the top. Add some corn starch or flour (just a little at a time) and whisk in. If you add too much you can thin it out with some chicken stock or water.
Slicing the Turkey
Here is a nifty bonus for those who are tired of never getting any of that juicy, crispy turkey skin when dad carves the turkey. You know, that first cut that gets most of the skin on it? With a roast turkey breast it is really easy since there is no bone to contend with. All you have to do is slice the turkey on the bias. This way every slice has a nice rind of that special turkey goodness.
