Here’s what to do with that sad-looking turkey carcass that keeps staring you in the face after you’ve de-fleshed it. You can do the same thing with chicken parts, trimmings, and carcasses. It’s a classic stock from the French school, and may be reduced further to intensify the flavor. It freezes very well. If you’ve been buying bullion in cubes or cans, do yourself a favor, reduce the sodium content, and make this stock from scratch. Breaking the turkey bones releases marrow and adds flavor. It is not hot and spicy in this form, but you can add chile powder or a hot sauce to taste if you wish.
Really Wild Rice Stuffing
This recipe makes enough stuffing for a small turkey. Or a Guinea hen. Or a large capon. Or two small chickens. Or about 15 or more game hens.
Green Chile-Cornbread-Piñon Stuffing
This recipe appeared in my very first cookbook that I wrote with Nancy Gerlach, The Fiery Cuisines, in 1984. I still make it whenever I roast a turkey.
Glazed and Roasted Onions
Serve these caramelized onions in place of the creamed ones that grace many holiday tables. These too are sweet, but also hot and lower in fat and won’t fill you up! These can also grilled over a low flame, as shown in the photo. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.
Spicy Green Beans
These beans go well with simple meats, such as turkey, or with cheese dishes. They add color and just a mild heat to any meal. For a different taste, I’ve also used this recipe substituting zucchini squash for the beans and serrano chiles for more heat.