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Get Your Turkey On!

Get Your Turkey On!

Posted on by Joanne Byrnes

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation or discounts for products, gifts or services when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. Please visit our disclosure policy for more details.

It’s Turkey time! Whether it is Thanksgiving or just another day, this non-traditional Honey Cognac Roasted Turkey and Gravy recipe will have you gobbling in no time!

Accompanied by recipes for Honey Kissed Cornbread served with Vanilla Honey Butter and Orange Smacked Cranberry Sauce.

Short on time? Pin this for Later! Share with your friends on Facebook and Twitter too!

We cooked a small turkey breast but you can just adjust the cooking time for a bigger bird! The rule of thumb is about a lb. per person but if you want leftovers, I would recommend 2 lbs. per person!

Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Honey Cognac Roasted Turkey

This unique turkey recipe incorporates the flavors of honey, cognac, brown sugar and brown butter. It is super easy with a prep time of 10 minutes. Place it in the oven and baste at intervals until is fully cooked.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Resting Time15 minutes mins
Total Time2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Real Life Real Issues | The Serial Chef | John Byrnes

Ingredients

Honey Cognac Roasted Turkey

  • 5 lb Boneless Turkey Breast
  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter Softened
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Hennessy Cognac
  • 2 cups Turkey Broth
  • 1 tsp Better Than Bullion Turkey Paste
  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 1 tsp Orange Zest

Honey Cognac Brown Butter Gravy

  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 2 cups Liquids from Turkey Roaster Pan

Instructions

Honey Cognac Roasted Turkey

  • Thirty minutes prior to cooking, remove thawed turkey from refrigerator, rinse and pat dry. Bring turkey to room temperature by letting it set on the counter.
  • Pre heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Make brown butter with the stick of unsalted butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Once the butter starts to foam, whisk continuously until the butter begins turns brown.
  • Add the light brown sugar, cognac, turkey broth, turkey paste, honey and orange zest. Bring to a boil while stirring. Remove from heat.
  • Pour the liquid over the turkey breast. Salt & pepper. Place in the oven for 30 minutes and then baste the turkey.
  • Baste the turkey every 20 minutes until fully cooked. Internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove from oven, cover with tin foil and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Honey Cognac Brown Butter Gravy

  • Add liquid from roaster pan To a medium sauce pan.
  • Bring to a boil while stirring.
  • Make a roux: (2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to 1/2cup of plain white flour). In a sauce pan add butter and melt. Add flour and whisk continuously until it is mixed well.
  • Add to liquid in medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil and stir.
  • Lower heat to simmer. Stir occasionally.
  • Remove from heat when ready to serve.
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This honey kissed cornbread compliments the cognac honey turkey breast and is a great side! It adds some pizazz to an otherwise typical cornbread. Don’t skip making the vanilla honey butter to serve with the warm cornbread.

This honey kissed cornbread compliments the cognac honey turkey breast and is a great side! It adds some pizazz to an otherwise typical cornbread.
This honey kissed cornbread compliments the cognac honey turkey breast and is a great side! It adds some pizazz to an otherwise typical cornbread.
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Honey Kissed Cornbread with Vanilla Honey Butter

This cornbread is kissed with honey and served with honey vanilla butter! It makes a great side for just about any meal. Serve it warm and top it with the honey vanilla butter.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Honey Vanilla Butter5 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 9 Servings
Author: Real Life Real Issues | The Serial Chef | Joanne Byrnes

Ingredients

Honey Kissed Cornbread

  • 1 cup Cornmeal
  • 1 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 4 tbsp Butter Softened (1 tbsp to grease pan)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Fine Salt
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (whole)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 3 tbsp Honey

Vanilla Honey Butter

  • 1 Stick Salted Butter Softened
  • 2 tbsp Confectioners Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Buttermilk (whole)

Instructions

Honey Kissed Cornbread

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Use 1 tbsp of the softened butter to grease an 8 or 9 inch square pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, granulated sugar and salt. Combine well.
  • Make a well with the dry ingredients and then add the buttermilk, eggs butter and honey. Fold the dry ingredients into the liquid ingredients gently until combined. You do not want to over mix.
  • Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown on the top. Add a small amount of vanilla honey butter (see below for recipe) to the top and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve with the extra vanilla honey butter!

Vanilla Honey Butter

  • Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl and beat on high until well combined. Add to a small serving dish. You can shape it by placing saran wrap on top and forming it smooth.

Do you want to wow your family and guests? This orange smacked cranberry sauce will do the trick. Orange and cranberries go so good together!

Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Orange Smacked Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce is kissed with orange and zest. This side dish is exceptional with Turkey anytime of the year but especially during the holidays!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Real Life Real Issues | The Serial Chef | John Byrnes

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Orange Juice (pulp free)
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Orange Zest
  • 12 oz bag Fresh Cranberries Make sure you do not buy dried
  • 1 dash Fine Salt

Instructions

  • In a medium sauce pan add the orange juice, water and sugar. Bring to a boil.
  • Add the orange zest, cranberries and salt. Bring to another boil. Stir constantly for 5 minutes.
  • Turn heat down to a simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Constantly stir, so it does not burn!
  • Once almost all of the cranberries have popped open, remove from heat.
  • Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill for at least two hours or overnight.

Suggested other sides to serve: Mashed potatoes, a vegetable of carrots and stuffing.

Short on time? Pin this for Later! Share with your friends on Facebook and Twitter too!

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation or discounts for products, gifts or services when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. Please visit our disclosure policy for more details.

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63 thoughts on “Get Your Turkey On!”

  1. Cindy says:
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    Wonderful recipes! I’m plant based so the orange cranberry sauce is perfect for me!

    Reply
  2. Christina Furnival says:
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    Honey and cognac! Sounds so good. Beautiful holiday meal.

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      You should give it a whirl!

      Reply
  3. Susan says:
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    5 stars
    You hooked me at Cognac and reeled me in with Turkey. I just can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks! Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  4. Tricia Snow says:
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    5 stars
    YUM! What a great alternative to traditional turkey!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      I loved it!

      Reply
  5. Melanie Walsh says:
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    It all sounds divine! My husband is the biggest fan of the holidays out of anyone I’ve ever met. He keeps trying to convince me that holiday foods shouldn’t be exclusively served on the holidays. “Why don’t we eat green bean casserole every week?” I know these recipes are going to be frequent requests!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Yes, we tend to think turkey only on the holidays but it is really good any time of the year! The cornbread recipe also goes good with anything but especially bbq!

      Reply
  6. Jasmine says:
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    Yum! Maybe I will step up and cook like this on Thanksgiving one day lol

    Reply
  7. Catherine McGuinness says:
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    As a vegetarian, I can’t speak to the turkey, but that cornbread looks fabulous!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Yes! The orange cranberry sauce was excellent as well! The honey kissed cornbread is a must try!

      Reply
  8. Maria Gustafsson says:
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    You had me at Honey Cognac Roasted Turkey!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      The cognac honey turkey pleasantly surprised me! The gravy put it over the top!

      Reply
  9. judean says:
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    I am all about the Honey-Kissed Cornbread – yum!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Yes, it really is fantastic!

      Reply
  10. Jeannette Miller Mickenham says:
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    These recipes look soooo good! I’ve been thinking of cornbread the last few days…gonna make it today 🙂

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      The honey cornbread is very tasty…don’t forget to make the vanilla honey butter too!

      Reply
  11. Tara says:
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    Honey & Cognac sound like such amazing accompaniments to turkey! I can’t wait for Thanksgiving; it’s easily my favorite holiday meal to cook!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      The cognac honey combination was a big hit! All of the sides really rounded out the course!

      Reply
  12. Lisa says:
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    This looks so yummy! Will definitely share with the “cooks” in the family for a twist on Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks Lisa! The “cooks” may really enjoy preparing these dishes! 😊

      Reply
  13. Jen says:
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    IM SO EXCITED FOR THANKSGIVING TURKEY DINNER!!!!!

    Reply
  14. Ellen Mika Zelasko says:
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    This looks absolutely delicious! Pinning for Thanksgiving dinner at my house! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks Ellen! Enjoy!

      Reply
  15. Tiffany says:
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    Um, yum!! That vanilla honey butter (along with everything else) sounds amazing!!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Gotta have the vanilla honey 🍯 butter!

      Reply
  16. Melina Whitehead says:
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    Dang that looks mouth watering! Thanksgiving is around the corner!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Yes…it will be here before you know it!

      Reply
  17. Haley Kelley says:
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    I just got really hungry for Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      ❤️

      Reply
  18. Cynthia says:
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    I need to invite you to my house for Thanksgiving! All three of these recipes look amazing! Thank for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks! Just let me know when and where 😆!

      Reply
  19. Kristen Usrey says:
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    5 stars
    Your recipes all look so tasty. One of my favorite things about November is Thanksgiving because of all the delicious foods.

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanksgiving is full of delicious food!

      Reply
  20. Junell DuBois says:
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    Yum! These recipes sound amazing!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks Junell!

      Reply
  21. Rachel says:
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    I admire those of you who can cook like this. ❤ Sounds delicious. 😋

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      You can cook like this too! The recipes are detailed. If you have any questions, let me know!

      Reply
  22. Michelle says:
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    5 stars
    That cornbread is calling my name!!! It all looks delicious.

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      I love honey cornbread! The honey gives it a boost. Make sure to try it with the vanilla honey butter too!

      Reply
  23. Suzan says:
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    I want to come to your house for dinner 🙂

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Any time 😆

      Reply
  24. Lee Anne says:
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    I’ll take all of it! and I will pin it for later so I can try them out! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks Lee Anne! Enjoy!

      Reply
  25. Karen says:
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    I’m going to have to give the cornbread a shot for Thanksgiving. I pinned it.

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      The cornbread is easy and delicious!

      Reply
  26. Michelle says:
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    Delicious! I ONLY make the orange infused cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving – can’t do the canned version, it has to be the real deal! I will definitely give that turkey recipe a shot this Thanksgiving. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      It really isn’t difficult to make cranberry sauce fresh! The turkey is really good and a bit out of the ordinary. The cornbread is to die for!

      Reply
  27. Lisa Manderino says:
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    Sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving Dinner! I am hosting this year so I need all the help I can get!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      I host every year, so I like to change up the recipes!

      Reply
  28. Christie says:
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    I will have to try this. Looks yummy!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks Christie! It is delicious!

      Reply
  29. Ramae Hamrin says:
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    I don’t eat a lot of meat, but I know what I’m having for Thanksgiving now. Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe. Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks so much Ramae! I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  30. Brianna says:
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    This looks so delicious! Thank you for these great recipes, I’m so excited for Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanksgiving will be here before you know it! A great time for these recipes!

      Reply
  31. Holly Bird says:
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    5 stars
    Amazing recipes the recipes with cognac turkey and orange cranberries is a great combination for a great dinner!! Can’t wait to try this…we eat turkey..many times a month!!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks Holly! I thought they all complimented each other!

      Reply
  32. Jen says:
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    That cornbread looks amazing! Thank you for the recipe I will have to try it!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Jen, the cornbread is amazing. Made with just enough honey!

      Reply
  33. Eileen says:
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    These all sound like great twists on the originals, can’t wait to try them out!

    Reply
    1. Joanne Byrnes says:
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      Thanks Eileen! They are all excellent and go well together.

      Reply

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