The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

Just looking at this beautiful photo, taken by my friend Gabriela Hansen, I can smell the warm, sweet and rich comfort of roasted turkey filling my home. What a glorious scent! I think the all-day event of cooking the bird is a part of the comfort of it. The ritual of regularly basting as the aroma becomes increasingly intoxicating only serves to build up our anticipation of gathering together around the table in thanks. It’s a part of why Thanksgiving is one of my family’s favourite times of the year.
I’ve been cooking my turkey the same way for years, and learned the secret to tender meat and caramelized skin from good old Martha Stewart herself. Here’s my take on Martha’s method.

We have a tradition of talking a brief walk in the woods during the last 30 minutes of the turkey’s roasting. It’s always wonderful to get out into the fresh air and sunshine, drinking in the beauty of nature and stretching our legs a bit before sitting down to our Thanksgiving feast. This year we had a particularly glorious day, and my heart was filled with gratitude at being surrounded by my amazing family and friends in such a beautiful place as Canada.

After the walk, it’s back to the house to reveal the gorgeous, caramelized bird with bundles of fresh herbs and lots of love.
The rich and hearty mix of flavours on our plates can only be rivalled by the richness of the love and friendship that surround our table. For me, that is what we celebrate each year at our Harvest Gathering. Filling our home with laughter and collaboration and food and friendship is truly the best way I can think of to remind ourselves of all that we have to celebrate.

I know I promised you a dessert recipe, and in fact I’ll share two with you! But you’ll have to wait until next week. Right now, I’m still intoxicated by the memory of this day and am swimming in gravy boats full of gratitude for the love I have in my life.

I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel for Gabriela Hansen, the incredibly talented photographer who captured our Thanksgiving celebration together. Thank you, Gaby, for sharing your heart and your view on the world with us all. So thankful to know you and to have the privilege of working with you.

Wishing you all a weekend filled with time with your loved ones, celebrating what really matters. Hold each other close and enjoy the adventure!

xo
s.