Who likes the dark meat? Me, me, me!
I’m often asked how I come up with my recipes so occasionally I share the thought process that led me to the recipe presented. As regular readers know, I take great pleasure in the development phase of everything I cook — almost as much as I enjoy the eating phase. 
In this case, I was working on another recipe that required about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree. I saved the unused portion of pumpkin thinking I would make ravioli with wonton skins (I don’t do dough, said in a voice similar to Arnold Schwarzenegger)…but then I saw the turkey thighs when I was at the market and I knew immediately what I was going to do…a mini Thanksgiving with turkey, stuffing and pumpkin!
Next thought was…why not turn the pumpkin into a yummy, savory stuffing? And why not put it under the skin so it absorbs all the turkey juices/fat?
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday meal, but there’s always so much food. Even a bite of this and a bite of that winds up being belly-busting. It’s hard to appreciate any.one.single.thing. And it always leaves me feeling unsatisfied (the next day) that I didn’t get enough turkey so it pleases me no end that turkey parts are readily available any time and we don’t have to wait till the third week in November!
| Turkey Thighs — with Pumpkin Stuffing under the skin! |
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1. These thighs were plump and could easily serve 3-4 people.
2. I didn’t de-bone the thighs before cooking, but it sure would have made it easier for presentation and sharing.
Loved, loved, loved the pumpkin stuffing!
It was creamy but not too much because of the panko…it was sweet and savory at the same time…and there was the occasional crunch from the almonds. It would a make an equally good accompaniment to a pork roast or stuffed in a pork chop too. I encourage you to try this one!
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What a great idea! This really sounds delicious and I know my family would love this. I hope you have a fabulous weekend. Blessings…Mary
Mary recently posted..50 Women Game Changers in Food – #13 Rachael Ray – Mexican Lasagna
Yum! Unfortunately, turkey is really hard to come by here in Argentina (just not popular–horrors!), but I like your suggestion of serving it with a pork roast.
Katie recently posted..Flights Resume Between Necochea and Buenos Aires
It’s dark meat all the way at my house. Coincidentally, I’ve been on the hunt for a turkey the past 3 weeks and all that’s available are turkey breasts. Salt lick, anyone? This recipe is making my mouth water, though I confess to never having used pumpkin in a stuffing. Now I’m going to have to broaden my search for a turkey since I don’t want to wait until November either.
Arlene recently posted..GRILLED CHICKEN WITH COLA SAUCE
I have always loved and appreciated your thought processes when it comes to food. And thank you for sharing those! This is another clever idea Joan…and delicious too!
you don’t do dough! who knew! I love when people share how they conceptualized a recipe. and like many, i don’t like to waste food, so using reserve of anything to make something new makes perfect sense. this is a wonderful transition food. and i’m with you: all about the dark meat!
Great idea to make the pumpkin stuffing, and it sounds fantastic!
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