Favorite Holiday christmas Recipes

I hope you enjoy trying some of these holiday recipes. These recipes can be served either at Christmas Dinner, or brought to holiday parties. They have been submitted by my family and friends (most of whom are Cajun, so there may be an abundance of Cajun oriented recipes here). Special thanks to Sandie Tablada for contributing so many of her best recipes. We'd love to share your favorite Christmas recipes as well. Scroll down to the end of the page for more information on how to submit your holiday recipes to us.

Cajun Deep Fried Turkey Recipe - by Emeril Lagasse

Ingredients:
2 (8-14 lb) turkeys
10 gallons peanut oil
1 cup salt
1/2 tbsp cayenne
1/4 tbsp black pepper

Marinade:
2 tablespoon Lea & Perrins worcestershire
1 tablespoon crab boil
1/4 cup apple cider
3/4 cup honey
1 bottled beer
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon allspice
1/2 cup essence or Creole spice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
pinch of clove

Equipment:
40-60 quart pot with basket, burner and propane tank
candy thermometer to measure heat oil
meat thermometer to test turkey doneness
safety goggles
fire-safe gloves and pot holders
fire extinguisher
seasoning injector

Directions:

Step 1:
Season and cure the turkey with salt, pepper and cayenne. Rub seasoning on skin and let sit overnight.

Step 2:
In a blender, add all the wet ingredients and then the dry ingredients to make the marinade. Puree on high for 4-6 minutes. Make sure all ingredients are completely pureed and add to an injector.

Step 3:
Heat oil to 350 degrees F. Depending on the amount of oil used, this usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour. (To determine the correct amount of oil, place the turkey in the basket and place in the pot. Add water until it reaches 1 to 2 inches above the turkey. Remove the turkey and note the water level, using a ruler to measure the distance from the top of the pot to the surface of the water. Pour out water and dry the pot thoroughly. Be sure to measure for oil before breading or marinating the turkey.)

Step 4:
While the oil is heating, prepare the turkey as desired.

Step 5:
Once the oil has come to temperature, place the turkey in the basket and slowly lower into the pot. Whole turkeys require approximately 3 minutes per pound to cook. Remove turkey and check internal temperature with meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 170 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh. Turkey parts such as breast, wings and thighs require approximately 4 to 5 minutes per pound to come to temperature.