Roast Turkey Cooking: A Caja China Holiday Recipe

Thinking about trying something different this Thanksgiving? Perhaps for Christmas or New Year's Eve? Well you've come to the right place. We're going to go step-by-step, and teach you how to roast the most delicious turkey you have ever had using a Caja China Roasting Box. Having prepared this turkey in our household, I can tell you it is a huge hit every time! Most everyone in our family call the box "La Caja Asadora" which translates from Spanish as "The Roasting Box." Another popular term for similar boxes, "la caja china" translates as "the Chinese box." While these pig roasters have many names, the rules for cooking tend to be the same whether you're in California, South Florida, or Louisiana (where they call it a Cajun Microwave.) Now, on to the reason you clicked on this article in the first place. I present to you, Caja China Style Roast Turkey!

Recipe:

1. Place the turkey on top of the rack, breast down if cooking whole, or skin down if cooking split. Attach top rack using the 4 S-Hooks.

2. Place turkey inside the Caja China roaster, skin or breast down, (attach probe from wired thermometer or insert meat thermometer here should you have one).

3. Cover your La Caja China style Roasting Box with the ash pan and charcoal grid.

4. Add 15 lbs. of charcoal and light up.

5. Once lit (20-25 minutes) spread the charcoal evenly over the charcoal grid of your Caja China box.

6. Cooking time starts now.

7. After one hour, open the box by removing the complete set of ash pan and grid together and place it on top of the long handles.

8. Now flip the turkey(s) over, skin or breast side up.

9. After one hour (2nd hour) add 10 lbs. of charcoal.

10. After one hour (3rd hour) add 10 lbs. of charcoal.

11. Do not add any more charcoal; continue cooking the turkey until you reach the desired temperature reading on the thermometer of 175 f. Should you not have a thermometer, check the turkey after approximately 30 minutes. Cook until desired tenderness.

12. Carve and enjoy with those you love most!

(Added that last one myself.)

For information and pricing on Caja China roasters and accessories visit http://www.shoplatintouch.com.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and happy roasting!

Holiday Cooking Tips - Easy Stuffing Recipe

Are you cooking the holiday meal this year? Part of cooking the perfect turkey is finding an easy turkey stuffing recipe to go along with it. This tasty stuffing recipe, with variations included, is delicious and will wow your guests.

For reasons of food safety, cook your stuffing separately from the turkey.

Ingredients for Easy Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Giblets and turkey meat from the neck
1 package seasoned stuffing bread crumbs
3/4 cup onions, chopped
1/2 cup butter or one stick
2 tbs olive oil
2 cups turkey broth from your cooking turkey. Supplement with canned or packaged chicken broth if necessary.
3 eggs
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1 c chopped mushrooms
1 tsp poultry seasoning
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper

Stuffing Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Begin by sauteing giblets in 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about 3-4 minutes.

Add the mushrooms, chopped onions and the celery and mushrooms, then saute for 3-4 minutes more.

Turn the heat to low. Take 2 cups of broth from the cooking turkey (or use canned broth) and add it to cooking mixture. Also add onion, celery and mushrooms, seasonings, remaining butter, salt and pepper. Stir all ingredients over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Place the package of seasoned bread crumbs into a large mixing bowl, then pour giblet mixture over the bread crumbs very slowly, tossing them to coat thoroughly. Make sure all the liquid is absorbed.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk 3 eggs together. Add these to the stuffing mix and blend thoroughly. The stuffing will be should be sticky. If it isn't, just add a small amount of broth and continue mixing.

Lightly grease an 8x8 baking pan, then pour stuffing mix into it, covering with foil. Bake the stuffing for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for about 10 minutes more.

The top of your turkey stuffing should be crispy and golden brown.

This Easy Turkey Stuffing is delicious topped with gravy and makes about 8 servings.

Here are some more hints for great turkey stuffing.

1. Add just enough liquid to make the uncooked stuffing mix moist but not soggy.

2. Cut up all veggies finely and make sure they cook thoroughly during the saute step.

Variations to Easy Turkey Stuffing Recipe

1. Try adding 8 oz of drained and washed oysters to the giblets when sauteing. You've just made oyster dressing!

2. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and add to saute along with the other veggies.

Creating the perfect turkey dressing is easy and this recipe will make the centerpiece of your holiday dinner.