Baked Turkey legs

6/14/2008

Baked Turkey Leg and Thigh Meat

INGREDIENTS

* 1 1/2 Tbs celery seeds
* 1 turkey leg and thigh
* 4 tablespoons softened butter
* 1 Tbs Garlic powder
* 1 Tbs Cajun Spice
* 1/2 Tbs Black pepper
* 1/2 cup water, or as needed
* 1/3 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
* 1 1/2 Tbs White vinegar
* 1 tsp Ground chili flakes
* 1 1/2 tsp Ground Red chili powder
* 1/2 tsp hot sauce
* 1/2 Tbs Dill
* 1/2 Tbs Basil Leaves


DIRECTIONS

1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Rinse the turkey legs and pat dry.
2.) Take the butter and the dry Ingredients and combine with a spoon in a small bowl.
3.) Stand the turkey leg upright (as if the turkey were standing). Press a sharp knife downward into the deep tissue, creating 3 long pockets. Press a small amount of seasoned butter into each opening. Pull back the skin on the leg and the thigh and rub with seasoned butter. Put the skin back into place and rub with more seasoned butter.
4.) Add liquid ingredients in a Roasting Pan. Stir and Lay the leg and Thigh in the roasting pan. Cover Roasting Pan.
5.) Roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the legs have an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) when taken with a meat thermometer.


Okay, there are certain Recipes that I create that just kick some major butt, in my book. This would easily fall into this category. Oh My Gawd! I was really surprised by the flavor of the turkey meat when it came to the eating of this rather plain poultry.
I separated the Leg and thigh at the junction before cooking. I also deglazed the pan after cooking by adding a little more water and using a wooden spoon, gently warmed up the drippings on the stove top and scrubbed the inside of the roasting pan with the spoon. This will be some awesome turkey stock, I am sure.


I highly recommend you give this a try if your a fan of the dark meat in Turkey.