The turkey is generally the star of the show on most people’s Thanksgiving table. Regardless of how it’s prepared, starting with the right turkey is the key to its success. Consult your butcher or a local farmers’ market to locate the perfect bird. Buy fresh when possible and look for one that is allowed to roam (aka pasture-raised). A fresh turkey should not be stored in the fridge longer than a couple of days. Frozen will obviously last longer (though be sure to cook within one year).
If you decide to thaw your bird, place it in cold water in the fridge for 1 to 6 days, depending on the size and weight. Thawing takes around 30 minutes per pound. Never thaw the turkey on the counter.
Order Early
Today is not too soon. Major holidays require advanced planning. Especially, when you have a special order, a particular size preference or want to order the turkey precooked, give yourself and your grocer plenty of prior notice. Never assume your order will be ready without a follow-up. Call a few days before the holiday to double check your order has not gotten lost in the busy shuffle. It’s happened to me before, so I am extra cautious.
Size Does Matter
Plan on 1 pound of turkey per person. Avoid buying fresh pre-stuffed turkeys. Bacteria in the pre-made stuffing can multiply quickly unless it has been processed under controlled conditions.
The Sum of Its Parts
Consider buying only the particular parts of the turkey your family enjoys eating. If you are an all-drumstick kind of clan, buy several packages of legs and follow a great recipe for that cut. If you are white meat lovers, do the same. Make sure the presentation is as beautiful as if you roasted a whole bird.
Turkey Times Two
Some of your guests may enjoy it roasted while your husband might like the ceremony of frying a turkey outside in the backyard. There is nothing wrong with options and leftovers are perfect to give out when your guests leave, made into sandwiches the next day, turned into a casserole or turkey soup. Freeze what you don’t eat and enjoy it again when you are tired and have nothing in your fridge for dinner.
Recipes For All Tastes
You may be using one of your grandmother’s secret seasonings to flavor your turkey. Or, this might be your first Thanksgiving, and you are searching for some basic ideas. There are plenty of recipes online and in your favorite cookbooks. It’s an easy task to find one your entire family will enjoy. Here’s a link to a few of my favorites.
To Brine or Not To Brine
Brining meat is a personal choice. A brine is a salt and water mixture which may also include other ingredients to add flavor to the protein. It is said to keep lean meat moist and decrease water loss. However, it’s not as easy to mix salt and water as it may seem. Follow some tested recipes to get the best results. Here are some brine recipes from Real Simple.
Pair the Turkey With a Few Delicious Side Dishes
While sweet potatoes are an all-time favorite, there are plenty of other tasty alternatives. Keep in mind you may be eating next to a vegetarian or someone who doesn’t care for turkey. As the host, plan your menu with enough options to accommodate those who don’t love the bird as much as you do. (*Note to guests: Let your host know if you have an allergy or dietary restriction – they won’t be offended, I promise.)
End With a Sweet Dessert
Pumpkin Pie is a holiday staple. But, don’t overlook simple endings such as a store bought Danish Kringle, or you may serve a bowl of ice cream and a dollop of hot fudge. Also, offer healthy alternatives such as fruit and nuts for a guilt-free pleasure.
It’s the start of the holiday season and it’s never too early to plan your dinner event.
Sincerely,
Diane
You may also like Get Your Cast Iron Skillet Thanksgiving Ready. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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