Gobble gobble

Yesterday, we cooked a turkey dinner for friends. Yes, really, we. We BBQ'ed the turkey, which meant that, despite the rain, Werner spent the afternoon running in and out to monitor the temperature. (I've promised him that, the more inclement the weather, the better grilled food will taste.)

It was ambitious, given that I'm just about 9 months pregnant now. But the bird turned out beautifully. (I wish preggie brain hadn't struck, as I had meant to take a photo of the meal. Ok, preggie brain and preggie hunger, too. I admit it.) It was cooked right on the grill, not the rotisserie, and we used a drip pan to catch the drippings, which I turned into gravy. Served with scalloped potatoes, dragon carrots (they're red on the outside), and dragon's tongue beans (varigated ivory and purple), all from the university's organic farm, it was a good choice for an early autumn/not Thanksgiving meal. No cranberry sauce, and no dressing. (Although I did really miss the dressing.)

For dessert? Berlepsch apple and cranberry pie, served with whipped cream.

I have a goodly amount of leftovers, which will sustain us for a couple of days. (That will make up for all the effort yesterday!) I guess I could make a few turkey pot pies for the freezer. And once I get some celery, I will make some stock from the carcass. Turkeys just keep giving and giving.

The recipe came from Canadian Living's 2006 BBQ Best cookbook, and also available on their website. Very different from the usual approach to turkey, but simply delicious. The herbed butter kept the meat moist and flavourful.

Mmmmm... I think I'm ready for a turkey sandwich for lunch!