G-day

Yesterday was a big day for me. I tried to make gravy, yep G-day stands for Gravy Day. It's been a long time since I've tried since it's not really a talent of mine but after getting advice from a few people I was up to the challenge again. But before that I want to tell you about another day, that is Turkey Day. As some of you know one of my sisters is due to have twins in a few weeks so I thought I'd make some food for her for when the babies come. When I saw a coupon at Hy-Vee to buy a ham and get a free turkey, I couldn't refuse. So the ham was easy as it was precooked, and no bone. Slice and go. The turkey however was frozen and raw, like most turkeys. This turkey took me for a "cooking" ride. After talking to a few people and hearing "it's so easy" then I was up for the challenge. I could either bore you with all the details or I can bullet the event.. yes, it was an event.

1. Thaw the turkey - this was suppose to take 2-3 days but my turkey liked being frozen so it took 4-5 days. The original cook day was planned for the Friday after Thanksgiving but with it being frozen I decided to wait until Monday after we returned from our holiday travels.


2. Cook the turkey - this was actually pretty easy. I bought a $3 disposable roasting pan as I don't own a big one and did not want to buy one for a possible one time occasion. So I put in the turkey and some water, covered it with foil and baked at about 275 degree's for about 6 hours. I basted it off and on and checked on it but all went pretty well. I kind of had a hard time telling if it was done. I had a meat thermometer but it wasn't working so that didn't help. But they have this plastic thing in the turkey that popped out and I assumed that meant it was done. The thickest part of the turkey was done so I felt safe with the rest of it.

Taaadaaa!

1. Eat the turkey - so as I said I gave most of the meat to my sister but I did keep some for myself as I wanted to try it out in case I wanted to make it again. So the meat part is pretty easy, but then I got advice on what to do with the rest of it. Some of this might gross you out but trust me, it is really good. I took the leftover bones and simmered them in water (about 1/2 the pan) for 2 hours. Drain the leftover water into a bowl and you have homemade turkey broth, which I later made a soup. I will admit I did not eat the giblets and neck, apparently some people love these parts but I declined the delicacy. So onto the grand finale - the gravy! I took the juice out of the roasting pan and put it in a plastic container (after it cooled off) and put it in the fridge. Last night I took the fat off the top and then used the bottom jello-ish stuff to make gravy. And it turned out delish! I won't bore you with the details but if you ever make a turkey and want some ideas then let me know as I'm always happy to share.

For the first time in my life I made one of Phil's favorite meals. Opened faced sandwiches with all the fixin's. I lucked out and had some texas toast on hand, and then did a slice of turkey, a mound of tators, smothered in gravy. And some butternut squash on the side. He said it was one of the best meals I've ever cooked. Yum, yum!

My next challenge: try the same thing only with a whole chicken instead.... I'll keep you posted. Hat's off to gravy day, it was a success!