Thanksgiving Early

Dave's sister Carol and husband Dan, came for a nice visit this week and knowing we won't see them for the holidays I decided to have an early Thanksgiving dinner prepared for the four of us. 

I got a small frozen turkey (about 12lbs) and thawed it out and cooked it a day or two ahead of their arrival. I  used a roasting bag and that makes it all so easy and ever so tasty. I don't stuff it, but do make stuffing on the morning of the dinner and will then make my famous (in my own mind) Turkey Lasagna.

Thanksgiving Turkey Lasagna

Everything starts with a good ovenproof container, nice and deep. The bird in the bag is cooled on the counter and the breast is easily removed, keeping the rest of the bird and juices in the bag.

Removing skin, bones and icky things with no name, slice in large chunks. 

Pour in a bit of canned or boxed chicken broth, and top with a layer of turkey breast. 

Top that with dressing, made with Pepperidge cornbread stuffing mix, flavored with apples, raisins, cranberries, cooked Jimmy Dean Hot pork sausage, sauteed onions, garlic and celery, broth and lots of butter.

Keep layering meat and dressing until the container is full and looks like a magazine picture.

Pour the remaining broth over all, since none of us wants dry dressing or turkey. Cover with foil and Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until the aroma begins to drive everyone nuts. Un-foil and let the top brown for 10-15. Dig in.

This is so simple, delish and non-stress making that I wanted to share so you could consider doing this if you are the holiday cook.