insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 22 - December 2016 | Page 75

FOOD + DRINK

MICHELIN STAR TURKEY TIPS

WITH CHRISTMAS JUST AROUND THE CORNER , IT ’ S TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE BIGGEST AND MOST SATISFYING MEAL OF THE YEAR . WE PICKED THE BRAINS OF STEVE SMITH , MICHELIN-STARRED HEAD CHEF AT JERSEY-BASED RESTAURANT , BOHEMIA – HERE ARE HIS TOP TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE THE BEST TURKEY ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS .
INVEST IN YOUR TURKEY Spending that little extra on an organic or free-range turkey is certainly worth it . Not only is it ethically sourced , it will also have better nutritional benefits and deliver on flavour .
PREPARATION Wash and thoroughly dry the cavity of the bird before leaving it to reach room temperature . Putting a moderate amount of softened butter under the skin of the bird will ensure it remains moist . Finally , truss the legs together so it retains its shape throughout cooking . Follow these simple steps , and you will have an absolute showstopper of a turkey
FESTIVE EXTRAS Stuff the cavity of the turkey with herbs , citrus fruits , and an onion to add flavour . However , it is important to ensure there is space for heat to circulate . To make the stuffing seasonal , add some festive favourites such as cranberries , chestnuts , sage and clementine zest .
GLORIOUS GRAVY Don ’ t dispose of the caramelised juices left behind by the turkey as they make the perfect base for the gravy . Adding Madeira , a tbsp of plain flour and quality stock to it will make your gravy rich and delicious .
STRESS-FREE CARVING Leave the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving . This allows the meat to relax , making carving easier . Separating the breasts from the legs and thighs will make carving a lot more manageable as you can simply slice the breast meat , and the rest should fall off the bone .
TURKEY , CREAM CHEESE , APPLE , CELERY , PECAN AND MIZUNA ON MULTISEED BREAD ( 4 )
Ingredients :
• 8 slices of multiseed bread
• 10 generous slices white turkey meat
• 100g flaked turkey leg meat
• 1 Granny Smith apple , sliced
• 24 pecan nuts , roughly chopped
• 1 stick celery , finely chopped
• 40g mizuna
• 120g cream cheese
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsps hazelnut vinaigrette
• 25g butter
Method :
• Butter all of the bread .
• Divide the cream cheese between four slices of the bread and spread evenly . Sprinkle the pecan nuts and celery over .
• Divide the brown turkey meat between the sandwiches and cover with sliced apple . Season with salt and pepper .
• Mix the mizuna with a little hazelnut dressing , Place on top of the turkey meat . Place the white turkey meat on top , followed by the remaining slice of bread . Cut and serve .
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