Kelly the Culinarian: Cooking with Kelly: Spice-rubbed turkey

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Cooking with Kelly: Spice-rubbed turkey

Earlier this week, I wrote of the glories of visiting Flavorbank's Tucson store. The owner of the establishment, Jennifer English, was kind enough to give me a sampling of spices to try. The spices start at $5, but the tubes are generously sized and you will find uses for them. I never claim to be an awesome cook, but these spices certainly make it appear as though I am.

My visit to Flavorbank really was a turning point. What I've learned is that you don't have to change the way you cook at all. I've made a turkey breast before. I've made green beans and mashed potatoes hundreds of times and probably will a thousand times more. But with just the simple addition of spices, I was able to bring these dishes up to a gourmet level. I didn't even do anything special with presentation, but I think it turned out looking mighty tasty.
The spice-rubbed turkey turned out moist and flavorful throughout, even though it wasn't marinated. The habanero wasn't hot, but instead a complex bouquet of flavors that had both sweet and tangy notes. The salt and pepper used on the potatoes and green beans add smokey depth to the all-American dishes.
If you wander on over to my photo gallery, I posted photos with captions that walk you step-by-step through this little meal. It took me about an hour; turkey takes a little while cook with the bone and skin. But, it wasn't very labor-intensive and could easily be made on a weeknight.
If there's anything I've learned from spices, it's that everyone has the time to cook like a chef -- just use the right tools and ingredients and it will come to you almost effortlessly.

8 comments:

Retno Prihadana said...

What a delicious meal! What kind of spices that you´ve used to rub the turkey?

KellytheCulinarian said...

I used Flavorbank's habanero chili powder mixed with olive oil.

A Mature Student said...

That is a new way of roasting a turkey. The description of the flavour makes me wonder if it is similar to peri peri sauce.

By the way, Kelly, what is the brownish, fried dish?

KellytheCulinarian said...

In the foreground are three-cheese biscuits and the background there are two kinds of muffins.

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Sounds like you've not been having a great time so food like this and the mini tubs of ben & jerry's would definitely be needed. Hope your luck turns around soon and that the weather stops misbehaving!

Cynthia said...

So glad you're having a fabulous time in the kitchen and cooking with your spices. The spread looks like it needs company. I'm coming over. :)

backStreetGluttons said...

neat and efficient. but maybe while it looks so easy then again not everybody has those cooking feel like you have !

People St.Clair said...

YUM! I'm definitely using this for a future mean and thank you for sharing the spices you used.!