THE ULTIMATE ROASTED THANKSGIVING TURKEY & GRAVY BY Dr. Cindy Tanzar — YOUR FOOLPROOF HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE

There’s something magical about Thanksgiving—the aroma of herbs, the warmth of the kitchen, and the excitement of bringing a beautiful, golden-brown turkey to the table. And now, thanks to Dr. Cindy Tanzar, you have a step-by-step turkey and gravy guide that makes the whole process feel simple, approachable, and incredibly rewarding.

Whether you’re hosting a big feast or preparing a cozy family dinner, this recipe gives you everything you need: a flavorful homemade broth, a juicy roasted turkey, and silky, perfectly seasoned gravy. With clear instructions, smart prep tips, and mouth-watering results, you’re about to create a Thanksgiving centerpiece that will have everyone hovering near the carving board.

So tie on your apron, warm up your oven, and let’s turn your kitchen into Thanksgiving headquarters.

⭐ SERVING INFORMATION

Servings vary based on turkey size:
➡️ 4 servings of protein per pound of turkey

Example: A 10-lb turkey = ~40 protein servings.

🦃 WHY THIS TURKEY RECIPE WORKS EVERY TIME

This is not your average turkey recipe. It’s a full holiday blueprint designed to help you:
✨ Create a rich, deep-flavored broth well before the holiday rush
✨ Roast a juicy turkey with crisp skin and aromatic stuffing
✨ Make smooth, flavorful gravy without fuss
✨ Feel confident—no matter your cooking experience

You’re not just cooking a turkey… you’re creating a show-stopping centerpiece.

🥣 TURKEY BROTH (MAKE-AHEAD MAGIC)

Homemade broth turns your gravy from “good” to “WOW.” It gives you a richer color, deeper flavor, and silky texture. Best of all? You can make it days or even months ahead.

Make up to 2 days ahead (refrigerate)
Make up to 6 months ahead (freeze)

Ingredients

• 4 lbs organic, pastured turkey wings and necks
• 2–3 Tbsp avocado or coconut oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped (maintenance)
• 1 large celery stalk with leaves, chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 sprigs fresh parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 10 whole black peppercorns

Instructions

1. Roast the wings & necks:
   Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly oil turkey wings/necks and roast in a large pan for about 45 minutes, until browned.
2. Sauté the veggies:
   Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and cook 10 minutes until soft.
3. Combine & deglaze:
   Add roasted wings/necks + pan juices to pot.
   Place roasting pan on stove over 1–2 burners. Add 2 cups cold water, bring to a boil, and scrape up all the browned bits. Pour this into the pot.
4. Simmer the broth:
   Add enough cold water to cover ingredients by 1 inch (approx. 14 cups). Bring to a boil. Skim foam. Add thyme, parsley, peppercorns, bay leaf.
   Simmer 3 hours, adding water as needed.
5. Strain & cool:
   Strain through mesh sieve or cheesecloth. If using immediately, skim fat.
   If storing, cool over an ice bath before refrigerating, then remove fat later.

This broth becomes the star of your gravy—and gives you plenty extra for soups, reheating turkey slices, or freezing for future meals.

🦃 HOW TO ROAST THE PERFECT THANKSGIVING TURKEY

Ingredients

• 1 (10–12 lb) pastured turkey (serves 8–10)
• 4 Tbsp room-temperature Kerrygold butter
• 1 yellow onion, cut into eighths
• 1 celery stalk, chunked
• 1 large carrot, chunked (maintenance)
• 1 orange, cut into eighths
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Pink Himalayan salt & pepper
• 2 cups organic turkey or chicken broth (for basting)

Instructions

1. Prep the turkey:
   Remove neck, giblets, liver (save for broth). Rinse turkey and let sit 1 hour to reach room temperature.
2. Season generously:
   Preheat oven to 325°F.
   Pat turkey dry. Rub butter over entire bird. Season inside and out with salt & pepper.
   Stuff with onion, orange, celery, carrot, bay leaf, and thyme.
   Tie legs loosely with string.
3. Position & roast:
   Place turkey breast-side up on a rack (or foil balls).
   Insert oven-safe thermometer into deepest thigh (not touching bone).
   Roast, covering breast with foil once it browns.
4. Cook times:
   • Stuffed 10–12 lb turkey: 3½–3¾ hours
   • Unstuffed: about 3 hours
   Turkey is done when thermometer reads:
   • 180°F in thigh
   • 165°F in breast or stuffing
5. Rest & carve:
   Let turkey rest 20 minutes before carving to keep juices in.
   Discard stuffing.

🥘 TURKEY GRAVY: SMOOTH, SAVORY & FOOLPROOF

Ingredients

• 5 cups turkey broth
• 4 Tbsp Kerrygold butter
• Xanthan gum (¼–½ tsp per cup broth)
• Pink Himalayan salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Deglaze with flavor:
   Pour turkey pan juices into a measuring cup and skim fat.
   Place roasting pan over medium heat. Add pan juices + 2 cups turkey broth, scraping up browned bits.
   Pour into a saucepan. Add remaining broth to total 5 cups.
2. Thicken:
   Heat broth.
   Sift xanthan gum over top to avoid clumps.
   Blend or whisk until smooth. It thickens as it sits.
3. Finish:
   Stir in butter. Season with salt & pepper.

The result? Silky, rich, golden gravy with layers of flavor.

🎉 FUN TIPS, TRICKS & HOLIDAY SUCCESS SECRETS

⭐ Want extra-crisp skin?

Pat turkey extremely dry before rubbing with butter.

⭐ For extra juice inside the bird:

Add an extra half orange or onion to the cavity.

⭐ Avoid bland turkey syndrome:

Season the cavity generously—it matters more than most people realize.

⭐ Make your gravy the star:

Always scrape the pan! The browned bits = pure flavor gold.

⭐ Want stress-free hosting?

Make broth 2–6 months ahead and freeze.
Make gravy up to 2 days ahead—reheat gently when serving.

⭐ Easy side dish pairings (no grains or pasta):

• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted cauliflower
• Fresh green salad
• Steamed broccoli with lemon

⭐ Turkey leftover ideas:

• Turkey lettuce wraps
• Turkey and veggie skillet
• Turkey with mashed cauliflower
• Turkey salad with celery & mayo

🦃✨ A THANKSGIVING MASTERPIECE YOU’LL BE PROUD TO SERVE

From make-ahead broth to perfectly roasted turkey and ultra-smooth gravy, this recipe gives you everything you need for a stress-free, praise-worthy Thanksgiving feast.