Have a “Kikk-ed”

up Thanksgiving with

Kikkoman!

I’m always up for trying new recipes in the kitchen! Although I enjoy eating traditional foods around the holidays, I also think that it’s also a perfect time to make new traditions to share with family and friends.  I was very excited when Kikkoman contacted me about their “Kikk-ed Up Thanksgiving Meal;” just wait until you see what I cooked up (with a little help from Kikkoman of course!

First things first…I had to defrost my GIANT turkey that my husband bought (note to self, do your own important shopping or else you could end up cooking a 20lbs “test” turkey).  Anyway, after about a month (actually a week) I was finally able to brine the bird.  This is where my first Kikkoman recipe came in.

Kikkoman Savory

Turkey Brine

• 2 Gallons of Cold Water
• 10 ounces Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried sage
• 2 tablespoons dried celery seed
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

The night before roasting, remove the giblets and neck and rinse the turkey.  In a large stockpot or 5 gallon bucket mix the water and other ingredients and stir until salt is dissolved.  Place the turkey in the pot, cover the lid, and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours.  Remove the turkey from the brine and then rinse well.  Cook the turkey as directed. (And by the way this brine is for a 16-24lb bird).

Next we have the side dishes Kikkoman recommended:

Green Bean Casserole

• 1-1/2 pounds of fresh green beans, blanched
• 5 tablespoons of butter (or margarine)
• 1 (10 ounce) package of fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup of sliced onions
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup Kikkoman Panko Bread Crumbs

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Layer the blanched string beans in the bottom of a greased casserole dish.  Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the mushrooms, onions and garlic until the onions are soft.  Next add the mushroom soup and stir.  Pour over top of the green beans and sprinkle the top with Panko Bread Crumbs.  Bake at 350 degrees f0r 20 minutes.

Kikkoman Glazed Yams

• 6 medium yams
• 1/4 cup of butter
  
• 1 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Baste & Glaze with Honey and Pineapple
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon nutmeg

Peel and slice yams in 1/2 inch slices. Place yams in a nonstick casserole dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until soft. Meanwhile, combine butter, Teriyaki Baste and Glaze, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan and heat until butter melts. Thoroughly stir glaze mixture and pour over yams. Return yams to oven, cook an additional 10 minutes. (Makes 6 servings)

Panko Crusted

Mashed Potato Cakes

• 2 cups of chilled mashed potatoes
  
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten in separate bowls
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup flour for dredging
  
• 1 cup Kikkoman Panko Bread Crumbs
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for pan frying

in a medium bowl, combine potatoes, one egg, onion, and black pepper.  Divide potato mixture into 8 equal portions.  Using your hands, form 1/2 inch thick patties.  Next dredge them in flour, then egg and coat with Panko Bread Crumbs. Meanwhile, heat the veggie oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the patties to the oil and cook until well browned.  Turn with and cook the other side until brown as well. (makes approximately 8 potato cakes)

So what was the verdict?  Well my family’s favorite was the potato cakes which I’ve already had requests for with other meals.  They’re really simple, and the kids loved them, so I know we’ll be eating them throughout the year.  The yams were a huge hit too, and I think a great addition to any holiday table.  The green beans had great flavor too, and it adds a “kikk” to a traditional favorite.  This was also my first time brining a turkey, and I’m positive I won’t cook a turkey without it again.  The Kikkoman added so much flavor to the turkey as well.  A lot of time, unless you get a top piece close to the skin, any seasoning is lost.  Not on this big bird thanks to Kikkoman! !  So when you’re heading to the grocery store for your holiday shopping this week, don’t forget your Kikkoman products!

For more great Kikkoman recipes visit their website: http://www.kikkomanusa.com/html_index.html and also on Facebook (there is a buy one get one free coupon there too!)

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