Thanksgiving Turkey Tips?

MommaJ
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:44:35 +0000

I don’t believe a cooking bag will give you crispy skin, though. Maybe if you took it out of the bag to finish? I’ve never used one because the size turkey I make wouldn’t fit.

I always use a fresh turkey even though they’re more costly because having a large frozen one defrost in the refrigerator takes up too much time and space. I brine the thing in a big covered bucket on the deck overnight (always praying for a cold snap, and somehow we always have one). H always fear critters will be attracted and overturn it, but it’s never happened.

I don’t get to do much in the way of non-traditional sides because the family would revolt. Sweet potato casserole topped with pecans (from Epicurious), green beans almondine (very Fifties, right?), mashed potatoes (to please S), dinner rolls (I use the Pioneer Woman’s no-knead version). I do like to try a different variation on cranberry sauce every year just so I don’t get too bored–I’ve tried recipes with wine, orange peel, walnuts, cooked, uncooked. You can’t go too wrong.

Just remembered that Consumer Reports tested turkey gravies in the latest issue and rated the Knorr Roasted packet as the only “Very Good”. None were “Excellent”.