Visions Of Sugar Plums: A Culinary Journey Through the Holidays

Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-pound) turkey
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
3. In a small bowl, combine the butter, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Loosen the skin on the turkey breast and thighs and carefully slide the butter mixture under the skin.
5. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
6. Roast the turkey for 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the gravy:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

To make the gravy:

3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve the mashed potatoes with the gravy.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green beans
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup French's Fried Onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion, celery, and red bell pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a 1-quart baking dish.
4. Top with the French's Fried Onions.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg