Turkey; 10 To 12 Lbs
Butter Or Margarine; Melted
Southwest Stuffing
SOUTHWEST STUFFING
1 c Chayote; Chopped, 1 Small
4 Jalapeno Chiles; *
2 Cloves Garlic; Finely Chopped
1 c Onion; Finely Chopped, 1 Large
1 c Margarine Or Butter; Melted
1 tb Fresh Cilantro; Snipped
1 ts Salt
1/2 ts Thyme Leaves; Dried
1/2 ts Sage Leaves; Dried
9 c Corn Bread; 1-inch cubes
1 c Pecans; Chopped
Prepare Southwest Stuffing. Fill wishbone area of the turkey with
stuffing. Fasten neck skin to back with skewer. Fold wings across back
with tips touching. Fill body cavity lightly. (Do not pack as stuffing
will expand.) Tuck drumsticks under band of skin at tail or skewer to
tail. Spoon any remaining stuffing into a small un greased casserole;
cover. (Refrigerate leftover stuffing until 30 minutes before turkey
is
done. Bake covered until hot, bout 45 minutes.) Heat oven to 325
degrees
F. Place turkey breast side up in roasting pan. Brush with Margarine.
Insert meat thermometer in thigh muscle or breast, not touching the
bone.
(Tip of thermometer can be inserted in center of stuffing also) Do not
add
water and do not cover. Roast until done, 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Place a
tent of
aluminum foil loosely over turkey when it begins to turn golden. After
2
1/2 hours, cut band or remove skewer holding legs. Turkey is done when
the
thermometer placed in the thigh muscle registers 185 degrees or
drumstick
meat feels very soft when pressed between fingers. (Thermometer
inserted in
the stuffing will register 165 degrees F.) Let stand about 20 minutes
before carving. As soon as possible after serving, remove every bet of
stuffing from the turkey. Cool stuffing and turkey promptly;
refrigerate
separately, and use within 2 days.
SOUTHWEST STUFFING: Cook and stir chayote, chiles (* Seed and finely
chop
chiles), garlic, and onion in margarine in 10-inch skillet until
chayote is
tender. Stir in cilantro, salt, thyme, and sage until well blended.
Stir in
about 1/3 of the cornbread cubes. Turn mixture into deep bowl. Add the
remaining cornbread cubes and pecans. Toss and fill turkey.