Turkey with Sausage-Pecan Stuffing
4 medium onions
1 pound bulk pork sausage
2 (6-ounce) packages herb stuffing mix
1 (15-ounce) package golden raisins
1 cup pecan halves
6 celery ribs, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, cleaned and dried thoroughly
Additional salt and pepper
Melted butter
Slice two onions; set aside. Chop remaining onions.
In a large skillet, brown sausage together with the chopped onions.
Drain drippings. Add herb packet from the stuffing mix. Stir in
raisins, pecans, celery and the seasonings; simmer for 10 minutes.
Add stuffing mixes and broth; mix well. Cook and stir for about 5
minutes.
Season turkey inside and out with salt and pepper. Place reserved
onions inside turkey. Add 6 to 7 cups stuffing. (Place remaining
stuffing in a greased 1 1/2-quart baking dish; cover and
refrigerate.) Skewer openings; tie drumsticks together. Place on a
rack in roasting pan.
Bake, uncovered, at 325*F (160*C) for 4 to 4 1/2 hours or until a
meat thermometer reads 185*F (85*C), basting often with the butter.
(Bake reserved stuffing, covered, for 1 hour; uncover and bake 10
minutes more.)
When the turkey begins to brown, baste if needed and cover lightly
with aluminum foil. Allow turkey to stand for 15 minutes before
carving.
Makes 12 to 14 servings (12 cups stuffing). |