Espresso Turkey-tini recipe is the ultimate holiday food and beverage pairing
Every year Reynolds Wrap unveils creative and on trend turkey recipes. This year, the brand is inspired by the uber popular Espresso Martini. With the Espresso Turkey-tini, everyone will be toasting to great flavors with a little extra kick.
Cooking a turkey can be a gigantic undertaking. While some people might phone a friend for help, the reality is that this particular poultry is not necessarily the traditional Thursday night dinner. The occasion adds to the stress of executing the meal, not to mention bringing some creativity to the table.
Over the years, brands have offered assistance. From the new bake from frozen to bagging the bird, there are plenty of hints and hacks to ensure a juicy, moist meal is presented for the holiday feast.
But, many home cooks do not want just another roast turkey. Adding some fun, flare, and flavor is just as important as the perfectly cooked meal.
Reynolds Wrap has perfected that concept. From a favorite snack food to global flavors, each recipe seems to push the limits a little more.
This year, the Espresso Turkey-tini is more than just an expression of the popular cocktail. It is a flavor combination that might not be considered with turkey, but it should be.
Coffee offers an earthy, sometimes slightly bitter note, which can bring out the juiciness in the hearty turkey flavor. While it is a common ingredient in pork rubs or even some beef preparations, turkey has enough depth to stand up to the ground espresso.
Additionally, this recipe uses coffee both in the rub and in the stuffing. By permeating the meat both from within the cavity and through the skin, the layered flavor is quite enticing.
Lastly, the use of orange is quite smart. That punch of brightness keeps the recipe from becoming too robust. Just like a little citrus balances a great coffee, those orange slices are vital to the overall flavor.
When thinking about pairings for the Espresso Turkey-tini, the idea is more than just food and beverages. Of course, a great espresso martini would be delightful. From a traditional offering to changing the liquor, there are plenty of ways the popular cocktail can be served.
More importantly, it is important to think about the side dishes for this Espresso Turkey-tini recipe. While some people cannot get enough of the green bean casserole, it might be better to opt for a simpler vegetable. Or, even consider some roasted brussels sprouts. Sweet potatoes would be lovely to add that inherent sweetness to the meal and a rich brioche stuffing would be delicious, too.
Ready to shake up this year’s Thanksgiving feast with Reynolds Wrap Espresso Turkey-tini recipe? Here’s how to make it.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Bake Time: 3 ½ to 4 hours
Yield: 10 to16 Servings
Ingredients:
1, 10 to 16-pound turkey
Espresso Rub:
o ½ cup ground espresso
o ½ cup brown sugar
o ¼ cup kosher salt
o 1 tablespoon garlic powder
o 1 tablespoon paprika
o 1 tablespoon black pepper
o ¼ cup coffee liqueur
· Stuffing:
o 4 large oranges, quartered with peels on
o 6 to 8 sprigs of fresh rosemary and/or thyme
· Dressing:
o 4 to 5 oranges, cut in assorted shapes such as wedges and wheels
o 6 orange twists, cut from orange peel
o ½ cup espresso beans
o 6 to 8 sprigs of assorted fresh herbs, such as sage, rosemary and thyme
Instructions:
· PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Mix together espresso, sugar, salt, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper.
· LINE a roasting pan that is at least 2 inches deep with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil.
· REMOVE neck and giblets from turkey, rinse and pat dry. Place turkey lengthwise in center of foil sheet to cook. Tie legs and stuff turkey with oranges and herbs.
· BRUSH turkey with coffee liqueur. Then coat turkey with espresso rub.
· COOK in foil tent or Turkey Oven Bag.
o Option 1: MAKE a foil tent by placing a sheet of foil over the turkey, leaving 1 inch between the top of the turkey and the foil tent for heat circulation. Crimp foil onto long sides of pan.
o Option 2: PLACE the turkey in the Reynolds Kitchens Turkey Oven Bag and tie a knot on the top. Make a few half inch cuts toward the top of the bag near the knot.
· ROAST turkey until meat thermometer reads 165°F across each section of the turkey, without touching the thermometer to bone, about 3 ½ to 4 hours for a 14 lb. turkey. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes. Remove and discard foil or Turkey Oven Bag.
· TRANSFER turkey to a serving dish. Place a single orange wheel adorned with three espresso beans on top of the turkey. Garnish the base with oranges, orange twists, herbs and espresso beans.