Herb-Scented Roast Turkey from Nereto

Tacchino alla Porchetta (Herb-Scented Roast Turkey from Nereto)

Dave DeWitt Cooking with Chiles, Cooking with Chiles at the Holidays Leave a Comment

This is turkey as it is served on Saint Martin’s Day, November 11, in Nereto. Carol Field advises: “Do not use a light hand with the rosemary or garlic.” I skipped the part about cutting the turkey in half and it didn’t seem to make any difference. I didn’t stuff the turkey with my usual cornbread-green chile mixture because I wanted it to be as traditional as possible. That said, I did add some spicy smoked paprika to add a little heat because I’m a capsaicin addict.

Smoked Turkey Stacked Enchiladas with Oaxacan Mole Sauce

Smoked Turkey Stacked Enchiladas with Oaxacan Mole Sauce

Dave DeWitt Cooking with Chiles, Cooking with Chiles at the Holidays Leave a Comment

Now it’s time to use up that smoked turkey breast, and what better way than to make enchiladas with mole sauce? These are stacked enchiladas, which are more commonly served in New Mexico. In fact, there are a number of sauces that can be used in this recipe, including New Mexican Red or Green Chile sauces. Prepared Oaxacan black mole sauce is available online from Zingermans.com.

Turkey Carcass

Basic Turkey Stock

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Here’s what to do with that sad-looking turkey carcass that keeps staring you in the face after you’ve de-fleshed it. You can do the same thing with chicken parts, trimmings, and carcasses. It’s a classic stock from the French school, and may be reduced further to intensify the flavor. It freezes very well. If you’ve been buying bullion in cubes or cans, do yourself a favor, reduce the sodium content, and make this stock from scratch. Breaking the turkey bones releases marrow and adds flavor. It is not hot and spicy in this form, but you can add chile powder or a hot sauce to taste if you wish.