I won’t be having turkey on Turkey Day this year. Instead, I’ll be indulging in some good old lechon in Anthony Bourdain’s #3 spot in the Hierarchy of Pork, Puerto Rico.
I didn’t completely miss out on my favorite holiday, though. This past Sunday, I cooked my very first whole turkey for a Thanksgiving potluck with a group of friends. I was nervous about roasting the giant bird, but following the steps to this Bon Appetit recipe led to a juicy bird with great flavors of sage and apples. I didn’t make my own turkey broth like the recipe recommends, just used some store bought chicken broth combined with the pan drippings to make the gravy. If this is your first year doing the Thanksgiving bird, try this relatively easy recipe as it yielded a plump and moist turkey without any crazy tricks.
And thanks to the great friends who brought over all the trimmings (green beans, sweet potatoes, roasted potatoes, corn bread stuffing, and pumpkin pie), I’ve already had my awesome Thanksgiving feast. Happy Turkey Day everyone!
Don’t forget to try mofongo, to check it off your list (and, yes, its ingredients include pork).
Bring me some good sofrito!
But most of all, have fun and be safe.