Recipes & Tips

Make the Perfect Christmas Turkey

How we roast our turkey at Maryfield on Christmas day

Method

1

Check the Weight

  • Find the turkey weight on the label – it’s important for calculating cooking time.

2

Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 220°C (Gas Mark 7).

3

Prepare the Turkey

  • Place your turkey on its back in a large roasting tray, season with salt & pepper.
  • Slice some butter and rub onto the breast and legs and place a slice inside the cavity of the bird.
  • Place strips of smoked streaky bacon over the breast and legs on top of the butter.
  • Cover with tin foil making a tent over the bird and not wrapping it tightly – this allows the air to circulate, roasting the turkey rather than steaming it.

4

Start Cooking

  • Roast for 40 minutes at 220°C, then reduce to 180°C (Gas Mark 4).
  • Calculate cooking time: 40 min per kg + 20 minutes extra for luck!

* All ovens differ and it’s worth referring to the manual for your cooker. The only way to be sure your turkey is cooked is to pierce the leg with a skewer and if the juices of the turkey run clear it is ready. If not, it needs longer in the oven.

Christmas tree background
Extra Tips

  • Roasting bags can help keep your turkey extra moist!

  • For a delicious succulent meal, try roasting the turkey on its breast for the first half, then flipping it over.

Boxing Day

Ingredients
  • Comfortable chair or settee
  • A roaring fire in the fireplace
  • Cold sliced Turkey
  • Left over vegetables or fresh if preferred
  • Glass of your favourite tipple
Method

1

Sit in a comfy chair

  • The turkey will still taste delicious the following day with little or no slaving in the kitchen, so relax in a comfortable chair.

2

Pour yourself your favourite drink

  • Whether it's a warm mulled wine, a creamy eggnog, or a refreshing soft drink.

3

Enjoy your leftover turkey feast with no effort at all

  • No need for cooking—just grab some delicious turkey slices.

4

Relax

  • Take a deep breath—Christmas is about enjoying the moment!

For those who prefer to get creative, check out our delicious leftover recipes below!

Turkey Tracks

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Balti Turkey

A rich flavoured curry using leftover turkey, aromatic spices, and fresh tomatoes.

Ingredients
  • 500g diced turkey
  • 2 medium onions
  • 3 medium tomatoes halved and sliced
  • Cinnamon stick
  • 2 black cardamom pods
  • 4 black pepper corns
  • ½ teaspoon black cumin seeds
  • Garlic paste
  • Ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 table spoons natural yogurt
  • 4 table spoons lemon juice
  • Fresh coriander
  • 2 fresh green chillies
  • Oil
Method

1

Heat the oil and fry onions until golden brown. Add tomatoes and stir well. Add cinnamon stick, cardamoms, peppercorns, black cumin seeds ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, chilli powder and salt. Lower the heat and stir fry for 5 minutes.

2

Add diced turkey and stir fry for 5-10 minutes until the spices are mixed in well. Add yogurt and mix well.

3

Lower the heat again and cover the pan. Cook gently for 15 minutes stirring every so often to prevent sticking.

4

Finally add lemon juice, fresh coriander and green chillies.

5

Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Dinnerware Set on Brown Wooden Table

Turkey and Rice with Rosemary and Thyme

A one-pot oven-baked dish perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients
  • 500g diced turkey
  • ½ cup uncooked long grain rice
  • 200g sliced mushrooms
  • 75g slivered almonds
  • ¼ teaspoon Rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon Thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 500ml turkey stock
Method

1

Place all above ingredients into a buttered casserole dish. Stir.

2

Bake in the oven 180C/Gas mark 4 for 50 minutes or until the rice is tender and the turkey cooked through. The top should brown slightly.

3

Serve with salad or vegetables.