Thanksgiving Turkey Tips?

PhysicsMom
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:25:22 +0000

It looks like the general consensus is that I should brine it. I’ll try some of the other tips (cooking turkey breast-down, Reynold’s bags) as well.

MommaJ, I personally love good, crispy turkey skin. I know it’s not good for me, but almost no classic holiday food is, so I think I’ll indulge!

As for sides and desserts – I have a strong urge to torture myself by doing it all. I have this idea of a perfectly put together Martha Stewart sort of spread, ha, and I know it won’t really be like that, but I do want to give it my all. I suppose I should make ahead whatever I can. At least my FIL (well, my partner’s dad – I just refer to him as my FIL) will be making the cranberry sauce. He enjoys making it so much that I couldn’t possibly take that from him.

I had no idea it could be unsafe to cook the stuffing inside of the turkey. Thanks for letting me know. Anyone have favorite stuffing recipes to share? I don’t think I want to go for the stuff in the box.

What sides do you all normally make? I’m used to having mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and cheesy cornbread.

Also, I guess pumpkin pie is the most traditional, but I think I’ll make apple or pecan pie instead.