Friday, February 21, 2014

Hankering for Thanksgiving in February!

Missy, here. A few weeks ago I got a hankering for Thanksgiving. And I just happened to have a small turkey breast in the freezer! I planned ahead so it would have time to thaw in the fridge for a couple of days.

I remembered someone mentioning doing a turkey breast in the slow cooker so decided to try that. I popped it in (using the wonderful slow cooker liners). Honestly, it turned out a little dry. So I'd suggest adding some liquid--water or chicken broth. I set to high until hot, then turned down to low for about 6-7 hours (until dinnertime). It may have been too long for such a small turkey breast. So I'd suggest 6 hours on low. Just make sure it's done!


When it was almost done, I made the dressing. I decided to play with it and do something fun.


I heated about a half to 3/4 stick butter and a handful of dried cranberries in the microwave.


In a pan, I mixed a couple of cups of Pepperidge Farms Cornbread stuffing with a couple of cups of Pepperidge Farms Herb Seasoned Stuffing. Then added the butter/cranberries mixture. Then dipped most of the broth out of the slow cooker. The dressing was still a little dry, so I added some chicken broth (because I like my dressing really moist!) and heated it through.

Let me tell you, it was SO GOOD! Very buttery and rich with those cranberries adding a nice sweet/tart accent and some texture.


I also cooked sweet potatoes in the microwave and served with brown sugar and butter, which was quicker than doing my traditional candied sweet potatoes or sweet potato soufflé.



When ready to eat, I sliced the turkey and poured any extra broth over it to help with dryness.


It was a yummy meal that really hit the spot! And next week, I'll share with you what I did with the leftover turkey. Turkey tetrazzini!

Do any of you have any experience doing a turkey in the Crock Pot? I'd love advice on keeping it moist.


15 comments:

  1. I never thought about turkey in a crock pot. Yumm. Must research this.

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    1. Let me know what you find out Tina. I probably should have done some research myself before tossing it in a crock pot dry! :)

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  2. This is such a good idea! I love turkey breasts, and I've kind of forgotten how much until I saw this, Missy!

    And isn't it fun to mix the stuffings? I've done that with rice as well, mix a rice pilaf with a stuffing mix, and it gives a whole new texture and great taste!

    Loving on Thanksgiving right now!!!

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    1. Ruthy, my family has always mixed the herb and cornbread crumbs. We love the flavor! I usually add chopped celery and onion but didn't have any on hand this time. And wanted something quicker anyway.

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  3. LOL -- sounds like the weather you've been having has put you in the Christmas spirit. :-)

    No experience with turkey in a crockpot but I love making soup and stews in a crock pot...and I think I might just do that today since I have a snow...er freezing rain day...Yay!!!!

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    1. Yuck! Stay warm, Kav! Soup or stew sounds good. Although it's going to warm up again here today. I'm already thinking about what to cook tonight.

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    2. I wonder what it would taste like in the crockpot with onion and can of cranberry sauce dumped over it...I'm not a huge fan of turkey but I've seen chicken recipe where you toss in frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts and dump a can or Rotel or jar of salsa on top and add black beans and onion...so maybe the same kidna concept would work with turkey only using that chunky cranberry stuff in the can (whole berry?) and some onion for spice...
      Susanna

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    3. Interesting idea, Susanna! It would help keep it moist. I may try that! :)

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    4. there's a dip/relish combo a friend says she does a lot - it has the whole berry cranberry sauce, can of diced green chilies, lime juice and some seasonings and she puts it over cream cheese to eat with crackers and uses it as relish with dressing and turkey. might be good dumped in a crockpot with the turkey. Ik now the chicken was darned good with the salsa/rotel, black beans and corn..and coudlnt' have been easier. ate mine on tortillas but could be soup too...definitely not thanksgiving -y though!
      Susanna

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    5. wow decided to look between work and guess I'm not too original LOL http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Cranberry-Turkey-Breast/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page&soid=sr_results_p1i5

      Susanna

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  4. This is so funny because I am hankering for Easter food and talking about it tomorrow. I have been thrilled to discover my Fresh Market carries small boneless turkey breast. Turkey, it's not just for Thanksgiving!

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    1. Julie, I look forward to seeing what you usually make for Easter. :)

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  5. I want it all. Virginia, I just sit and smile at that new pic and love it from afar. So darned nice!

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