My girls are getting over their sickies this week, and I’m also recovering from a long week at jury duty! So for this month’s Multiples in the Kitchen post, I’m going to show you an oldie-but-goodie from my blog, inspired by an annual Thanksgiving craft my girls created at preschool – Apple Turkeys! Here’s how to make them.
Apple Turkeys Recipe: Ingredients & Directions
This Apple Turkeys Recipe is more of an assembly project than a cooking one, meaning no roasting rack or meat thermometer is required for this part! It uses simple ingredients to create a cute turkey every time. apple turkey.
Supplies Needed
- Apples (Any variety works, but a round turkey every time is preferred.) apple sits best)
- Knife (for a grown-up to use if your kiddo’s skills/age aren’t there yet) and a cutting board
- Lettuce: Use something with narrower leaves with a thick stalk. We found this duo of red and green “artisan” lettuce at TJs. Romaine would work too.
- Or instead of lettuce, you can use colorful candies that can be poked with a toothpick, such as marshmallows and gumdrops, or you could be healthier and use dried fruit.
- Toothpicks
- Scratch paper to make a template for the head.
- Paper to make the head and hat. Scraps are great for making giblet gravy.
- Glue, Scissors
Instructions
Step 1: Create the Head. Cut out the template for the head on scratch paper. Keep in mind the size of your apples and keep it proportionate. I shaped their heads simply, like a butternut squash. I have one facing front, and one facing to the side. Then trace onto your paper and cut two pieces. Put glue on each head and sandwich a toothpick in between.
Step 2: Add Details. Cut out the hats in a contrasting color. I just free-handed a pilgrim hat (ok, it looks like a top hat). I also used a small hole punch for the eyes, and a scrap of yellow for the beak. You can make the turkey heads ahead of time. Wait til the day of if you’re using lettuce, or the night before if you’re using candy.
Step 3: Assemble the Body. Cut your apple along the side, at an angle so the apple doesn’t roll around. This gives you a stable base, unlike a wobbly 12 pound bird in a roasting pan.
Step 4: The Tail Feathers. For the lettuce tails, stick a toothpick through the stalk as straight-down as possible and insert into the apple for an easy yet cute presentation. Kids may find candies easier to work with.
Step 5: Finish. Poke the head onto the apple towards the front. All done!
While the Kids Craft: Tips for the Main Roast
While the kids are busy with their apple turkeys, you can focus on the main event: the roasted turkey. Whether you are cooking a 12 pound or 20 pound bird, preparation is key. Many chefs swear by a brine to keep the breast meat moist. If you choose to brine, make sure to pat dry the turkey skin thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning with a mix of sugar and salt or an apple and herb rub.
Preheat your oven and place the turkey breast side up in the roasting pan. If you want a juicier result, you can put butter under the skin and in the cavity. Don’t forget to Tuck the wings underneath the bird for even cooking. (specifically, tuck the wings under the bird) to prevent them from burning. If you are making stuffing, you can bake it separately or inside the turkey’s cavity, though an unstuffed bird often cooks more evenly.
A general rule for cooking time is about 13 minutes per pound at 325°F, but always rely on an instant read thermometer rather than the clock. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone). You are looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees. If the breast is browning too fast, tent it with foil and let it continue roasting. Once fully cooked, Remove it from the oven and let the turkey rest on the top of the turkey. and let it rest Let it rest for at least 30 minutes of roasting before slicing. 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juice to redistribute, ensuring moist turkey meat.
Conclusion
Happy Thanksgiving from my little turkeys! We are hosting Thanksgiving this year, so please send don’t-burn-the-turkey-again vibes! Making this Apple Turkeys Recipe craft can be a lot of fun, and with this easy step-by-step guide, it won’t be a chore either. It’s the perfect activity to keep the kids engaged while the best turkey recipe is bubbling in the oven and the gravy is simmering. By following the instructions below, you’ll have perfect little apple turkeys in no time at all! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get your family involved in the festivities.
FAQs
Q: How many pounds should a pound turkey be for this apple turkeys recipe?
A: For the apple turkeys recipe, a 12–14 pound turkey is ideal for feeding a family, though you can use a smaller or larger bird; cooking a turkey time will scale—plan roughly 13–15 minutes per pound if you roast the turkey at 325°F, and always confirm doneness with a thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
Q: Do I need to truss or truss the legs when preparing the turkey?
A: It’s recommended to truss the legs to ensure even cooking and a compact shape; trussing also helps keep stuffing like apples and herbs inside if your Thanksgiving turkey is stuffed with apples, and will make it easier to remove your turkey from the roasting pan without spilling pan drippings.
Q: Should I baste the turkey and use melted butter or apple cider for flavor?
A: Basting with melted butter every 30–45 minutes helps the skin and breast develop a golden brown color; for extra flavor you can mix melted butter with a splash of apple cider or lemon juice to baste, but avoid opening the oven too often—baste about every 30 minutes for best results.
Q: Can I stuff the turkey with apples like Honeycrisp, and is it safe?
A: Yes—stuffing with apples such as Honeycrisp adds moisture and aroma; if you choose to be safe with cooking times, consider cooking the stuffing separately or ensure the thermometer is inserted into the center of the stuffing to verify it reaches 165°F, especially when you roast the turkey stuffed with apples.
Q: What about using an oven bag or roasting your turkey on a rack—does that change cooking time?
A: Using an oven bag can shorten cooking time and keep pan drippings contained, while roasting on a rack allows air to circulate for crisp skin; if you use an oven bag, check manufacturer guidelines—overall the turkey may take about 3 hours for a medium bird, but always rely on internal temperature rather than time alone.
