BAKED OR SLOW COOKED TURTLE (This is my favorite turtle recipe)

Coat turtle pieces with a mixture of flour and season with salt & pepper.
Brown in a skillet with a small amount of cooking oil.
In a crock pot or Dutch oven combine 1 can of beef broth and 1 can of mushroom soup.
Add turtle to the mixture.
Season with 3-4 bay leaves, 4-5 cloves (bay leaves & cloves should be placed in cheesecloth for easy removal before serving).
Simmer in crock pot for 6-7 hours or bake in 350 degree oven for 2-3 hours.
For added flavor, the last 1/2 hour of baking, pour a cup of red wine over the turtle. (Optional)

TURTLE SOUP FROM LEFTOVER BAKED TURTLE

Use turtle & gravy left over from baked turtle recipe.
Simmer covered with water until turtle meat comes easily away from the bones.
Remove bones.
To the turtle meat and broth add chopped onions, sliced carrots, and any other vegetables you like.
Add spaghetti noodles broken into about 2" lengths.
Season with salt & pepper & thyme.
Simmer until vegetables and noodles are tender.
Beef or chicken broth may be added for additional flavor.
For a slightly different taste add pre-cooked chicken.

My mom would par boil the turtle for 1/2 hour and season, flour and pan fry till crisp. Then put in baking pan and cook covered @350 for 2 hours and remove cover for the last 20 minutes to crisp back up. It would melt in your mouth.