Turkey Day 2011

 

Mango Glazed Stuffed Turkey

Thanksgiving this year was simple and small. Last year, we had so many leftovers that I didn't want to repeat it this year. Also, I didn't want to make everything from scratch since I started school on Thanksgiving day. My ginger glazed turkey for last year was a hit and my husband loved it. I loved it too, but wanted something sweeter this year. Living in Hawaii, I thought it'd be great to have a mango glazed turkey. It was a hit too! My husband loved it more than the ginger glazed and he's wasn't even fond of the idea. I thought it gave the turkey a nice little sweetness. Who doesn't love a savory and sweet meal?

Our turkey....the turkey neck is tucked underneath
the skin to keep it moist and not over cooked.
That's why it looks funny :)

As usaul, I stuffed the turkey with my mother-in-law's recipe of a noodle stuffing. Then I injected the turkey with a garlic butter sauce that will make the turkey stay moist while cooking. And lastly, I brushed it with my mango glazed. It's a combination of mango nectar, sugar, and some mango pineapple jam simmered on low heat until it has reduced to a glaze. Of course, add salt and black pepper.

My turkey plate for 2011...yummm

This year was simple. We also had celebrated the day before with friends and had lots of leftovers. I didn't want to make much so my husband made the sides while I took care of the turkey. He made regular herb stuffing and macaroni and cheese. It was easy, stress-free, and there weren't much leftovers. I preferred it this way. Also, he made a peanut sauce to go with his turkey as always. It's a tradition to have the peanut sauce every year. Reminds me of back home with my family.

My husband's birthday was the last day of the month. We were so busy that I didn't have time to make him a cake. Besides, he didn't want a cake. He had already gotten his birthday gifts 2 weeks before so all that was left was to celebrate it. He has been so busy at work that we couldn't find time so at the last minute, I made him a sweet potato pie/cake. I love sweet potato and had recently introduced him to sweet potato fries, which he now loves. I thought this would be a great way to celebrate his birthday while having sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving. The fruitloops were just for show. We took them off before baking it again. It's a pie with a touch of mommy and baby.