How to Prepare a Turkey

When I was first married I wanted to know how to make a turkey. So I consulted two different sources. The Betty Crocker cookbook and my mom. The cookbook gave me a good base, but mom always knows the little tricks to make it better. I still have my notes from our phonecall written in my cookbook. With a little confidence, this became one of my favorite meals to make. It's so easy and so good.

How to prep and prepare a turkey

submitted by Barbie

Start thawing frozen turkey about 4 days before event in the fridge.
If it is still somewhat frozen, place it in a sink full of cold water.
Remove the neck from one end and the giblets from the cavity.
Rinse inside and out with cold water.
Spray roasting pan with non stick cooking spray. I put turkey on a rack.
Place turkey breast side up into pan.
Place an apple in the neck.



Place one stick of butter in the cavity.
Spray turkey with non stick cooking spray.
Season as desired. I use Mrs. Dash and season salt.



Turn turkey over so the breast is down.
Repeat with spray and seasonings.
Pour one can of chicken broth (or turkey stock) into pan.
Cover completely with foil.



Place in oven that is preheated to 300 degrees.
Cook about 20 minutes per pound.
Take foil off the last hour to brown the turkey.

Spaghetti Squash

Last year I made this for the first time at our back to school dinner. It was so easy. You just need to plan ahead because it takes a while to cook. I love that we eat less pasta now because this is so much healthier.

Spaghetti Squash

submitted by Barbie

1 medium spaghetti squash washed, halved lengthwise, and seeds removed

2 c. marinara

2 Tbsp. parsley

2 Tbsp. parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.

Pierce the outside of each half of the squash a few times with a fork. Place the squash cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, until very tender when tested with a fork. Allow to cool slightly.

While the squash is baking, warm the pasta sauce.

Using the tines of a fork, rake the spaghetti-like threads of the squash into a mixing bowl. Discard the skin. Pour the hot pasta sauce over the squash adn toss gently. Garnish with the parsley and cheese.