A unique roasted turkey recipe brings back memories of joy and laughter

WNYC News

The taste of a family recipe can bring back a flood of warm memories. WNYC's Community Partnerships Desk is asking folks in this area to share what comes to mind when thinking about a certain dish. Today we hear from Kandy Williams. Williams lives in New Jersey and is a culinary instructor with Hot Bread Kitchen

The transcript of Kandy Williams' story has been lightly edited for clarity.

Kandy Williams:

I'm 45 years old, and I live in New Jersey. I came from a humble family in Callao, located in the coast of Peru. When we're talking about the most memorable recipe, I remember my grandmother's roasted turkey. She always has a unique recipe. She's seasoning the turkey with orange juice, ají panca, and a special Peruvian chili, garlic, thyme, oil, and all the spices that make the turkey richness and the flavor.

Also, she has put like a little splash of beer or pisco. This is a Peruvian grape-based spirit. We marinate from the day before because, in Peru, normally, the turkeys are frozen. Also, as a Peruvian, we had always rice on the table. When I eat this special dish, I remember those memories when I'm sitting next to my grandparents when they were alive.

I remember sitting at the table with a lot of joy, with a lot of laughing in the great words that we put in every conversation. It's not just the turkey; it's not just the plate. It's the moment that you can spend with your family prepping something.

As an immigrant here in this country, almost 15 years, preparing this dish sometimes it's the only way that we can connect with our loved ones. I want my family, my kids, and my grandkids in the future, they can just share this recipe, and they can remember me, remember my family, and share the same stories with our loved ones in the future.