With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to prepare for the festive season
Essential Journeys asked Steve Smith, Head Chef at the Michelin-starred Bohemia, St Helier, Jersey, for his top tips on how to create the best turkey on Christmas Day.
Invest in your turkey – Spending that little extra on an organic or free-range turkey is certainly worth it. Not only is it ethically sourced, it will also have better nutritional benefits and deliver on flavour.
Preparation – Wash and thoroughly dry the cavity of the bird before leaving it to reach room temperature. Putting a moderate amount of softened butter under the skin of the bird will ensure it remains moist. Finally, truss the legs together so it retains its shape throughout cooking. Follow these simple steps, and you will have an absolute showstopper of a turkey.
Festive extras – Stuff the cavity of the turkey with herbs, citrus fruits and an onion to add flavour. However, it is important to ensure there is space for heat to circulate. To make the stuffing seasonal, add some festive favourites such as cranberries, chestnuts, sage and clementine zest.
Glorious Gravy – Don’t dispose of the caramelised juices left behind by the turkey, as they make the perfect base for the gravy. Adding Madeira, a tbsp of plain flour and quality stock to it will make your gravy rich and delicious.
Stress-free carving – Leave the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the meat to relax, making carving easier. Separating the breasts from the legs and thighs will make carving a lot more manageable as you can simply slice the breast meat, and the rest should fall off the bone.
Bohemia is the only restaurant in the Channel Islands to be listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants and is ranked at number 49. Bohemia received the highest score in the Channel Islands in the Good Food Guide 2016 with a glowing score of 7, its highest score yet, and was listed as the best restaurant in Jersey in the guide’s ‘Top 50 Restaurants in the UK’. Bohemia was also recently listed as the best restaurant in Jersey in Square Meal’s Top 100 Best Restaurants 2016.
Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, Green Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4UH, Channel Islands. For reservations call 01534 880 588 or visit www.bohemiajersey.com
