Suppose you're not roasting a whole turkey for Thanksgiving?
For example, your family just likes white meat. Or dark.
A whole turkey does look festive. And is traditional.
Still, if you don't like one part or another, just cook the part you like.
Fortunately for me, my Thanksgiving gang likes every part of the turkey. But when it's just Ed and me, or when I have Eileen and Jeff over for dinner, it's breast-only.
So, if you'll be cooking turkey breast for Thanksgiving or some other time, here's one of my easy, go-to recipes.
Roasted Turkey Half Breast with Sweet White Wine
half turkey breast, about 4 pounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-½ tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or use 1/2 teaspoon dried)
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1-½ cups sweet white wine such as Riesling
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Rinse and dry the turkey breast and place it skin side up in a roasting pan. Brush the skin with the olive oil. Scatter the ginger, garlic and thyme over the breast. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees. Place the turkey in the oven. Roast for 30 minutes. Pour the wine over the turkey. Continue to roast for another 40-50 minutes, basting occasionally, or until a meat thermometer placed in the thickest part of the breast measures 160°F. Remove the turkey from the oven and let rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Serve with pan fluids.
Makes 6 servings.