Holy holidays, Batman! It's almost Thanksgiving! This time of year especially makes me grateful for my Puerto Rican heritage. The holiday season is an opportunity for my family to gather around delicious food that is rich in tradition, history, and FLAVOR! The star of our Thanksgiving dinner table has always been, and will always be pavochon. What is pavochon, you ask? Well, it's really a made up word, or portmanteau, that combines the Spanish words for turkey ( pavo) & roast suckling pig (le chon). So pavochon is turkey that's been seasoned and cooked like roast pork. Also known as the holy grail of Thanksgiving dinner .
I don't trust my Thanksgiving centerpiece with just any old turkey, I only trust the number one brand of turkey in America, Butterball ! Tender and juicy, Butterball whole turkeys are all natural, giving you the highest quality turkey at the center of your Thanksgiving celebration.
The recipe is super simple, just marinate your Butterball turkey overnight, cover with foil and roast low and slow (325F), basting occasionally. Check out Butterball's How-To website to decide how long to roast your turkey, or cook until a meat thermometer reads 165F. If you have more questions about preparing your turkey, Butterball has a team of turkey experts at the Turkey Talk-Line who are ready and waiting to answer all of your important cooking questions. And they will do it however you want to ask them - text, call or live chat.
1 Butterball Whole Turkey, thawed and giblets removed
16 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning (all-purpose)
4 teaspoons (2 packets) Sazon seasoning
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Thaw your Butterball whole turkey according to the package instructions, remove the giblets and pat it dry. Place the turkey in a non-reactive container or extra large ziptop bag.
Mince up the garlic cloves in a mortar and pestle, or food processor. Add in the Adobo, Sazon, pepper, oregano and olive oil. Stir the spices, garlic & oil together to combine.
Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the meat. Be gentle, so you don't tear the skin up too much. Flip the turkey over, and do the same thing on the other side. Spread half of the mixture underneath the skin on the back side of the turkey. Do the same thing on the breast side of the turkey. Lastly, sprinkle the outside of the bird with a liberal amount of Adobo (2 teaspoons).
Cover the turkey and marinate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
When you're ready to cook the turkey, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the turkey breast side down on a roasting pan fitted with a roasting rack. This allows the juices to run down the turkey breast and keeps the white meat from drying out. An added bonus : Butterball turkeys are all natural and pre-brined to ensure a tender and juicy turkey - making it easier for home cooks like you and me!
Cook until a meat thermometer reads 165F.
Serve with some traditional Rican holiday sides, like arroz con gandules , avocado, and maybe even some !
Does the thought of making a whole turkey for Thanksgiving give you the jitters? Only Butterball has a team of turkey experts at the Turkey Talk-Line who are ready and waiting to answer all of your important cooking questions. And they will do it however you want to ask them - text (844-877-3456), call (1-800-BUTTERBALL) or live chat. So get ready for the holiday season with this delicious Pavochon recipe, and put a Latin twist on your holiday festivities!
Can't figure out which wine works with turkey? The wines of Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi have been crafted for over 30 years and are perfect for special occasions and everyday. My go-to for the holiday season is their Red Blend, it offers warm, toasty aromas and flavors, including jammy blackberry, vanilla, and baking spices. It's full and rich with a long, flavorful finish and it pairs perfectly with holiday favorites including turkey, creamy potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Their Cabernet and Chardonnay varietals are also classic wines that are balanced and smooth, making them ideal for food pairings and sharing with family and friends. Check out Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi's website, where you'll find an amazing food and wine pairing app! You'll never again have to guess which wine goes perfectly with your dish.
I don't know about you, but when it comes to Thanksgiving, I always take a shortcut or two, so that I can actually enjoy my guests instead of slaving away in the kitchen all day. Marie Callendar's is my go-to for delish desserts that look and taste just like homemade, without all the drama! A classic like this Dutch apple pie is sure to wow your guests. Their new loaf cakes are a no-bake wonder, made from scratch with real ingredients and no preservatives or artificial colors. Serve your friends and family a warm, delicious dessert that's easy to make so you can give thanks for homemade taste.
To save on your favorite Thanksgiving items from Butterball, Marie Callender's and Woodbridge, download the app and start saving.
Have a great holiday season!
