Go-to-Dinner: Thanksgiving in February

Tonight I’m making one of my go-to dinners; a meal that is easy and really doesn’t take much effort. The best thing about it is that it is a mini-version of Thanksgiving. Yep, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and veg. I’m not talking a whole big bird that has to bake for hours. I’m not even talking about raw rolled turkey breast in a net. I have a simpler, easier version, that leaves leftovers for sandwiches, pesto-turkey salad, or a turkey potpie (which Brilliant Daughter is very good at).

If you get home at 5:30, dinner is on the table at 7. Most of the work is up front, and by 6 or so, you have time to help the kids with the homework, pay a few bills, call the mother-in-law, or put up your feet and dig into a good book. Really!

I start with a cooked turkey breast that is carried by Costco. It’s called a Kirkland Oven Browned Turkey Breast and they run about 3 to 3.5 pounds and cost around $12, but remember, this is enough for two dinners or a dinner and lunches for a few days, so it’s not a bad deal, not to mention convenient. Every time it comes out moist and tasty, and it couldn’t be easier to cook.

Here are the simple steps to a hearty meal that your family will love.

5:30           

·      Turn on the oven to 350 degrees

·      Open turkey and place into baking ban with ½ cup water. Cover with foil.

·      Peel potatoes, cut in quarters and cover with water. Put on the lid and sit it on the stove.

·      Trim up the broccoli and cauliflower (Or purchase it already cut up for extra time savings). Place in steamer pot with one inch of water.

·      Boil  2 ½ cups of water and add 1 Knorr Concentrated Chicken Stock packet. Stir to dissolve. Shake up ½ cup water and 3 heaping tablespoons flour in a jar. Slowly add to chicken stock, stirring with a whisk. Turn down and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flour into the stock. I like to add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for color and a flavor boost. Turn off the heat and cover.

6:00

·      Put the turkey in the oven and go relax.

6:30

·      Turn potatoes on high to boil for 25 minutes.

·      Turn vegetables on low to steam slowly.

·      Go back to whatever you were doing.

6:55

·      Take the turkey out of the oven.

·      Reheat gravy on low heat.

·      Turn vegetables off.

·      Mash potatoes with milk, butter, salt and pepper.

·      Slice turkey and plate the food.

7:00

·      Voila! Turkey dinner on the table.

Easy peasy and oh-so-good.