Day: November 25, 2020

Pressure Cooker Turkey Stock

1 roasted or pressure cooked turkey carcass, cut into 6 to 8 pieces OR 2 roasted hindquarters*
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 large carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, smashed
1 bay leaf
5 sprigs fresh parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
10 cups water

Put all of the ingredients in the pressure cooking pot. Select High Pressure and a 30 minute cook time.

When the cook time ends, turn the pressure cooker off and use a natural pressure release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid.

Allow the stock to cool slightly. Pour the stock through a fine-mesh strainer set over a very large bowl or pot. Discard the solids.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate. When chilled, skim fat from the surface.

NOTES
Note: Turkey stock will keep 3 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 6 months. Freeze stock in 1 cup containers to use as needed.

*Roasted Turkey Hindquarters:
If you want to add extra flavor to your stock, roasting the hindquarters is a great option. The hindquarter includes the drumstick, thigh, and part of the back. It is entirely dark meat. For , you’ll need 2 turkey hindquarters, approximately 5 lbs.

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Place the turkey hindquarters, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Season with salt and
pepper. Roast for 30 minutes until skin begins to turn golden brown.

Reduce the temperature to 350°F and loosely cover (tent) turkey with a large piece of aluminum
foil. Roast for about 45 minutes more, or until a meat thermometer registers 170°F in the
thickest part of the thigh. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Reserve any juices from the roasting pan to add to the pressure cooking pot when making the stock.
When cool, remove most of the meat from the bones.

Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast

6.5 lb. bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 can (14 ounces) turkey broth or chicken broth
1 large onion, quartered
1 stalk celery, cut in large pieces
1 sprig thyme
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water

Season turkey breast liberally with salt and pepper. (You can also season with dried thyme or your favorite spice blend under the skin if you prefer.)

Put a trivet in the bottom of the pressure cooking pot. Add the broth, onion, celery, and thyme. Add the turkey to the cooking pot, breast-side up.

Lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and set the cook time for 30 minutes.*

When the cook time ends, turn off the pressure cooker and allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then use a quick pressure release.

When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Use an instant read thermometer at the thickest part of the breast to check if the turkey is done. It should be 165°F. If needed, return the lid and cook at High Pressure for a few more minutes.

When the turkey is done, use the trivet to carefully remove it from the cooking pot and place on a platter. Cover with foil to rest.

To make the gravy, pour the juices in the cooking pot through a strainer and skim off the fat. (I like to use a fat separator.)

Whisk together cornstarch and cold water; add to broth in cooking pot. Select Sauté and stir until broth thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If you’re not planning to brown the turkey: Remove the foil and discard the skin. Slice the turkey and serve immediately.

If you would like to brown the turkey in the pressure cooking pot: Transfer the gravy to a serving dish and rinse and wipe out the cooking pot. Carefully transfer the turkey on the trivet back to the inside of the cooking pot. Lock the air fryer lid in place. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and cook until the skin is crispy and browned. (For a 5.5 pound turkey, this took me about 15 minutes in the Ninja Foodi. But be sure to check regularly!) Slice the turkey and serve immediately.

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

1 1/2 pounds (680 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into quarters
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons (60 ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
1 tablespoon milk (or more)
Salt and pepper

Cook the potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potatoes into a medium saucepan. Add cold water to the pan until the potatoes are covered by at least an inch. Add a half teaspoon of salt to the water.

Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer, and cover. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you can easily poke through the potatoes with a fork.

Prep the butter and cream: While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter and warm the cream. You can heat them together in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

Drain and mash the potatoes: When the potatoes are done, drain the water and place the steaming hot potatoes into a large bowl. Pour the heated cream and melted butter over the potatoes.

Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Then use a strong wooden spoon (a metal spoon might bend) to beat further.

Add milk and beat until the mashed potatoes are smooth. Don’t over-beat the potatoes or the mashed potatoes will end up gluey.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes:

Always put potatoes in cold water to start, then bring to a boil. That way the potatoes cook more evenly.

This recipe is easily doubled.