It's the Butter, Stupid!

The older I get, the more clearly I see it.  Cooking is all about the butter.  Now, Julia Childs could have taught me that long ago, but I tend to be one of those stubborn souls who has to learn things for myself. 

I'm warning you so you won't go into shock when you read my Thanksgiving Day recipes and see the copious amounts of butter I used for fairly small portions.  I may die with clogged arteries, but what a way to go...butter OD.  Mmmmm.

Lori's Turkey Rub

1/2 c. coarse sea salt

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. minced garlic

2 T. tarragon

2 T. oregano

2 T. parsley

2 T. dill

2 T. rosemary

Combine all ingredients in small bowl.  Rinse turkey, pat dry, rub with herb mix inside and out before baking.

Lori's Mashed Potatoes

Place the following in a large saucepan and boil until potatoes are fork-tender:

5 lbs. russet potatoes

Water to cover

4 heaping T. minced garlic

6 cubes chicken boullion

Drain all but 1-1 1/2 c. liquid.

Add:

1 c. butter

1/2 c. milk

Mash with electric mixer until smooth.  Use more milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.

Lori's Easy Stuffing

Saute in skillet until tender:

4 T. butter

1/2 large onion

2 stalks celery

Combine in saucepan and bring to boil:

2 1/2 c. water

1 c. butter

2 chicken boullion cubes

When it reaches a rolling boil, add and toss thoroughly:

(2) 6 oz. packages Stove Top Stuffing

Sauteed celery and onion

Place in baking dish.  This can sit as long as overnight.  About 30 minutes before serving time, combine and pour over top of dressing:


1/2 melted butter
1/2 hot water

1 cube chicken boullion

Heat at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Lori's Sweet Potatoes

Wrap in foil:

4 large sweet potatoes

Bake at 350 degrees until tender (1-2 hours)

Cool.  Remove skins.  Place "pulp" in baking dish.  Mash with a fork.

For topping, blend to fine crumbs in food processor:

7 oz. Walkers shortbread

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 c. pecans

2 t. cinnamon

Add and process just until blended:

1/2 c. butter

Sprinkle topping over sweet potatoes.  Can be refrigerated overnight.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Lori's Gravy

Melt in saucepan on Med-High heat:

1 c. butter

Whisk in:

1/2 c. flour

Whisk in:

2 c. turkey pan juices

2 c. water

That wasn't as bad as I thought...only 10 sticks of butter...that's a mere 2 1/2 pounds.  Well...not counting what we put on our bread! 

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  Hope yours has been special. And butter-filled.