Taking Stock After Thanksgiving Recipes

TAKING STOCK AFTER THANKSGIVING

Steps:

• Rinse the turkey, making sure to wash away any stuffing that may be sticking to the walls of the cavity. Break apart if necessary, so the wing bones and thigh bones are detached. Place in a large stockpot, and add the water. It should cover the carcass.
• Place over medium heat, and bring to a simmer. The bubbles should just break gently on the surface. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Cover partially, turn the heat to very low and simmer two hours, skimming as necessary. Add the remaining ingredients, and simmer for another four hours, partially covered. Keep your eye on the pot, and skim as necessary.
• Before draining such a big pot of stock, I find it easiest to remove the carcass and bones using tongs. Gently strain the soup through a strainer, colander or conical chinois into a very large bowl. Line a strainer with cheesecloth, and strain once again. Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, and chill. Lift off any fat that has congealed on the top, and discard. Keep in the refrigerator, or freeze in small containers.
• Combine the stock, salt, pepper, carrots and celery, and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Add the leftover vegetables and turkey, and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. Add the soup pasta, and simmer until tender, five to 10 minutes. Taste, adjust seasonings and stir in the parsley or cilantro. Serve.

DAY-AFTER TURKEY STOCK

Steps:

• Combine 3 chopped celery stalks, 1 chopped onion, 1 turkey carcass (broken into pieces), and water to cover (12-14 cups) in a stockpot. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until broth is reduced by 1/3, about 3 1/2 hours. Strain; discard solids. Let cool; cover and chill. DO AHEAD Stock will keep chilled for 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

THANKSGIVING STOCK

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread out chicken and turkey wings on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 1 Tbsp. oil; rub oil all over wings. Roast, turning every 10 minutes or so, until brown, 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven; set aside.
• Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in stockpot over medium. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. Add ham hock, parsley, bay leaves, wine, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until wine is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add wings and use a wooden spoon to scrape any crispy bits off baking sheet. (Add a little water to help loosen if needed.) Add another pinch of salt and 2 gallons water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until meat is falling apart and liquid is reduced by half, 3 1/2-4 1/2 hours (go the full distance for a rich and gelatinous stock).
• Scoop out large pieces of vegetables with a slotted spoon; discard. Strain stock into a large pot; discard solids. Let cool slightly, then chill until cold (the fat will solidify on top, making it easy to remove). Skim fat and ladle into airtight containers. Cover and chill until ready to use.
• Do Ahead
• Stock can be made 1 week ahead. Keep chilled, or freeze up to 6 months.

LEFTOVER T-DAY TURKEY STOCK

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Cook and stir celery, carrots, onion, and garlic in oil until slightly softened and fragrant, 5 minutes. Add turkey, bay leaves, salt, peppercorns, rosemary, and dried sage. Cook until fragrant, 5 minutes more. Pour enough water in to cover turkey and vegetables.
• Bring mixture to a boil, cover pot, and reduce heat to low. Simmer, skimming fat occasionally, until flavors are blended, 4 to 5 hours. Strain liquid into a container and discard carcass and vegetables.