This is a recipe that I got by buying some pasta salad at a local grocery store. It ended up being so good, that I read the ingredients label and :D “dissected” it to find out how to make it. So what I came up with is not exact by any means, so feel free to experiment and add or subtract whatever you like. Also noticed that it is better after it has “marinated” for a day or two.

Sombrero Salad :cool:

1 box pasta – they used rotini, I used wheel shaped, but whatever you have would work just fine I’m sure.
2 pounds ground beef, cooked up – I tried using ground turkey, thinking it was healthier, but it wasn’t quite right. I’m wondering what chicken would taste like in their instead???
Grated cheddar cheese – I used two small bricks and grated them myself, so I’m not sure how many cups.
Diced tomatoes - I use 4 roma tomatoes cuz they were on sale. I would recommend fresh over canned though.
Sliced black olives – I used a small can, but if you love em, add more!
French dressing - about a whole bottle, use your judgement here. You can always add more.
Black pepper to taste

I also added carrots by taking a vegetable peeler and peeling longs strips off. Added an extra crunch. Besides, they were in the fridge, so I figured “Why not???” :D

Only bad part about my recipe so far is it makes a huge batch. But I’m eating it like crazy so I don’t think it will last long. :D

If anybody tries this, let me know what you did and how it turned out. And if anybody has an actual recipe for this, I’d love to get it!

Good luck!

I'm going to have to try this...it sounds yummy good!!

Besides, they were in the fridge, so I figured “Why not???” :D



LOLOLOL...............

I will try the recipe, but will probably add some green pepper, as I have some in the fridge.....

JJT

Green Bean Casserole.
Real mashed potatoes mixed with Instant Mashed potatoes.
Frozen Pecan Pie, Sarah Lee Cheesecake.
Canned cranberries.

What turns your stomach at the T-day table?

JJT

Cranberries and pecan pie thats about it LOL

I love green bean casserole :)

UGH!! That cranberry jelly stuff! That's just not right!! I am not a fan of soggy bread anything so stuffing is out.

Oh, and if my crazy old grandma insists on cooking that bag - oh yeah, you know the one - inside that turkey one more time - I'm going to be sick!! :blah:

some junk my aunt makes with about 20 different types of beans in it, pineapple, chedar cheese, bacon, and who knows what else. I call it her "oh crap it's thanks giving, well heck may as well put all my left overs in a pot dish" lol and i can do with out the giblets too!!!!!!!

sweet potatoes with marshmellows....just thinking about it makes me sick!!!! I dont understand feeding the people you love marshmellows for dinner!!!

Oh yah Wingy that is another one! I don't like sweet potatoes

I love sweet potatoes.... but why add all the sugar on top?? They are a sweet (get it) veggie all on their own!! Diabetics nightmare!! Marshmallows, candied cherries, sugar and butter!!

I feel my blood sugar levels rising just typing this.......

some junk my aunt makes with about 20 different types of beans in it, pineapple, chedar cheese, bacon, and who knows what else. I call it her "oh crap it's thanks giving, well heck may as well put all my left overs in a pot dish" lol and i can do with out the giblets too!!!!!!!
Eeeewwwwwwwwwww... that is just wrong!!

That sounds more like a Halloween dish than a T-day dish.

Someone in my family always made this jello, cottage cheese, pineapple thing. How can ANYONE desecrate jello and pineapple with cottage cheese???

I HATE cranberry jelly - but the whole craberries in sauce are good..at least you are able to bite down on something :D

Oh I feel awful for saying this but my sister-in-law used to make this awful 'carrot and all kinds of other veg. in jello' dish and it was her signature dish that had been popular in the 1940's. So awful :blah: .I don't mind the tinned whole cranberries either.

I know it is a bit early, but my family has already made the plan!! Thanksgiving this year will be at my Sisters house. She doesn't cook, nor have any room for us. We are going to set up card tables where ever we can find a spot!! It is going to be so much fun!!!

My son and his wife are going to the in-laws. Daughter-in-law keeps trying to do both families, and I keep telling her to alternate. I think she may have finally listened!!! Plus, this year they have the baby, and that makes traveling all the more.... more... well... just MORE!!! LOL

I am going to arrive at my sisters bright and early with Tom the Bird, and cook him to a golden brown, all juicey and yummmy. [drools] I make the best turkey!!

Dont' know what everyone else is bringing... but I believe the dreaded green bean casserole will be served!

JJT

Ok, are we totally on the same wave length or something today? You are starting to freak me out! LOL

I was just starting to plan things that I need to cook/bake for Thanksgiving today since I am having at my new house for my family this year.

I actually decided to try a couple new recipes:

Harvest Acorn Squash
Double Layer Pumpkin Pie


All my regulars are:

Green Bean caserole
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Cream Corn
Carmel Apple Salad
Jello w/fruit for the kids

and this year I get to do the Turkey/stuffing

my mom does a bunch of other sides and desserts also.

Peace...Plan on doing Thanksgiving, again, in NYC with family. Do not planned to cook anything yet planned to do some eating. Typically in many African american families we throw down with collard greens, potato salad, mac-n-cheese, candied yams, turkey or roast chicken w/cornbread stuffing, ham, red rice and quite possibly a few other dishes. Its a lot and certainly includes a lot of starches....and I do this a few times a year. We celebrate family. This year I look forward to seeing a few sistah-friends from HS and will visit with my Beloved's family. Blessings...

What all is in the caramel apple salad beside apples and caramel?

ONE

I will be eating at my parents I hope--I did Thanksgiving two yrs ago and had about 30 people over--very expensive want do that again for a while. My favorites are:

Turkey and dressing
Green beans
creamed potatoes
corn

I dont do deserts but mom makes some stuff with fruit like madarine oranges, cool whip and I think jello--the rest of the family loves it.

ONE

I don't know yet. If I'm not working I'll be going to visit and my Thanksgiving dinner will most likely be at the Old Country Buffet.

If I have to work that night then I'll most likely fix myself a turkey TV dinner :)

I have to work Thanksgiving but the women will be cooking an old traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings including pumpkin pie hmmmmm!
Last year it was marvelous!

I have to work Thanksgiving too :( but that's ok. I'll be eatting with my family before I go to work.
I'm going to help my mom prepare the meal. We are thinking just a turkey breast this year, with mashed potato, butternut squash, homemade stuffing, gravy, dinner rolls, corn, and pies for dessert.

Dont' know what everyone else is bringing... but I believe the dreaded green bean casserole will be served!JJT
LMAOOOO....Make sure to leave room for the Durkey Green Bean Casserole. :p God does EVERYBODY make this thing!!! :D

Well we go to my Aunt's house down in the Bronx, so basically everyone brings a dish. I love Holidays at my house or my parents because then I can be a little piggy for DAYS afterwards...Thanksgiving I only get a PLATE of leftovers!!! :D

My Grandma is making Sweet Potato Pie and the Stuffing....Mmmmmmm :)
My Mom is making this tasty banana pudding and wafer conconction
I'm making Pumpkin Cheesecake
and my little one is making Bread Pudding.

I have been drooling over Thanksgiving since October I swear!!! :p

Only thing missing is my Honey... :cry:

Can you stomach Thanksgiving in a bottle?

SEATTLE (AP) — Jones Soda Co. takes the idea of a liquid diet to a new low. How does green-bean-casserole soda strike you? And how about an aggressively buttery-smelling mashed-potato soda?
Even the creators of the fizzy concoctions at this small Seattle soda company can hardly stomach the stuff. But last year's unexpected success of the turkey and gravy soda means another round of bizarre food-flavored soft drinks.
And, as a bonus, they are calorie-free.
This week Jones Soda Co. starts a full meal deal of five Thanksgiving soda flavors, from the bile-colored green bean casserole to the sweet — but slightly sickly — fruitcake soda. Last year's turkey and gravy also is back on the menu.
If you think it sounds less than appetizing, you are not alone.
"Oh, man, I can't drink that," cries out company Chief Executive Officer Peter van Stolk after pouring himself a drink of mashed potatoes.
To banish the buttery aftertaste, he recommends a chaser of Cranberry Soda, the only one of the holiday bunch that doesn't make you want to pick up a toothbrush.
Drinking last year's savory turkey and gravy was no picnic, either, but that didn't stop people from clamoring for it, pushing bidding on the EBay auction site up to $63 for a two-bottle set.
This year, Jones plans to produce up to 15,000 five-packs of the 12-ounce bottles, which come complete with utensils (a straw and a toothpick). The sodas might not be as satisfying as a real holiday meal, but they can boast being both calorie- and carb-free, not to mention being vegan and kosher.
Beginning Thursday, they will be on sale throughout the country for from $14.95 to $16.95, with proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots.
Known for its quirky ads and offbeat bottle designs, Jones traces its roots to a soda-distribution operation that began in 1987. But it wasn't until the mid-1990s that the company began its own line of sodas, cultivating a following among skaters, surfers and snowboarders with unusual flavors like blue bubble gum, green apple and watermelon. These days, Jones soda, juice and energy drinks are available nationwide at stores including Target, Albertson's and Safeway.
Five tasters were assigned the task of perfecting the holiday flavors, although Mr. van Stolk said most employees ended up trying the sodas sooner or later.
In the early stages, the staff grew deeply divided over mashed potato versus sweet potato.
"It was like red versus blue," Mr. van Stolk said, referring to the recent presidential election.
In the end, he voted for mashed potato, arguing it was the more familiar food.
Jones isn't the only company to find that people have a certain fascination with foods that make you go "yuck." There's the real-life version of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, made famous by the Harry Potter books and featuring tastes like Vomit, Booger and Earthworm. And millions of Americans regularly tune in to reality shows to watch contestants eat things like spiders and snails.
Experts say part of the human fascination with such foods is the omnivore's natural tendency to try a varied diet. But there's also a certain group of people who are simply novelty seekers who get a thrill out of more extreme gastronomical adventures, said Virginia Utermohlen, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University.
For those people, she said, the thinking is, "So long as I know it's not going to kill me, it might be just interesting."
Barbara Rolls, nutritional-sciences professor at Penn State University, said research shows young people are more likely to try new foods, but she speculates it's not just nature.
"It's that bravado factor," she said.
And for some, Miss Rolls added, the risk will have a reward.
"Who knows? Maybe it really tastes good," she said.

We'll be heading to Chi-Town to have our last Thanksgiving with our girls for awhile ... This will be the 2nd time in 17 years that I am not cooking a 30lb bird ... Everyone always requests my cornbread sausage stuffing (my favorite too) But I am looking forwarded to all the turkey and the fixins and some really wonderful friends ... LOL!!! :)

eeeewwwwww! :yuck: That's just nasty, DLM!

I'm planning on going to the North Texas G2G - so I won't be cooking too much. Guess it'll be grilled food for us. Sure would love a fried turkey though!

jessnkat - What does fried turkey taste like? I have been reading and seeing TV shows about it for the last couple of years but I guess I am just a traditionalist- it hasn't really caught on up here in Canada yet.

Can you give us some Tom turkey roasting tips!!I know it is a bit early, but my family has already made the plan!! Thanksgiving this year will be at my Sisters house. She doesn't cook, nor have any room for us. We are going to set up card tables where ever we can find a spot!! It is going to be so much fun!!!

My son and his wife are going to the in-laws. Daughter-in-law keeps trying to do both families, and I keep telling her to alternate. I think she may have finally listened!!! Plus, this year they have the baby, and that makes traveling all the more.... more... well... just MORE!!! LOL

I am going to arrive at my sisters bright and early with Tom the Bird, and cook him to a golden brown, all juicey and yummmy. [drools] I make the best turkey!!

Dont' know what everyone else is bringing... but I believe the dreaded green bean casserole will be served!

JJT

Oh, man, DLM - it's the best! You can't even begin to compare fried turkey to baked turkey! I don't even know where to start! Just take my word for it that it is delicious! I'm from the South - you know, where we fry EVERYTHING! If you ever get the chance - you gotta try it.

It's definately better than drinking your turkey and gravy!

Jessnkat- Do you batter the turkey or just plunk it into the hot oil? Do you have one ot those giant turkey fryers and can you only do it outdoors? I read that it surprisingly was not greasy- is that true? Wish you could send some up here!

Green bean casserole..yuck!
I love fried sweet potatoes cooked in brown sugar and butter!

You are making me hungry!! I like it all..

Oh, that's easy!!!! Tofurkey... it's a tofu "turkey." My vegan niece made us try it one year. Blecccchhh! :blah: :blah: :blah:

A Jenny Craig Thanksgiving a friend of mine had. Every thing tasted like rice cakes except the gravy and that tasted like water. eeeewwww.

LOL it's never too early for Thanksgiving!! I LOVE ALL THE FOOD!!!
we are having a turkey of course, stuffed mushrooms, stuffing, corn, sweet potato, sliced tomato with mozzerella, and usually some kind of pasta. i know i am missing some stuff, but i cant think of it all right now!

Well I will be Visiting, so I will be eating a nice Chicken Monteray Sandwich and a soda more than likely but later on I will have Deep Fried Turkey, Homemade mac & Cheese, Greens Stuffing cakes the works!

LOL it's never too early for Thanksgiving!! I LOVE ALL THE FOOD!!!
we are having a turkey of course, stuffed mushrooms, stuffing, corn, sweet potato, sliced tomato with mozzerella, and usually some kind of pasta. i know i am missing some stuff, but i cant think of it all right now!
You must be Italian Girl!!! :D

Sounds like my house...I can't wait for the Antipasto!!! :D

We are having a Turducken this year again....

Has anybody else ever had one...They are sooo good!!

It's a chicken with stuffing, inside a duck with stuffing, inside a turkey with stuffing!!! All tied up and cooked for hours.

Three different stuffings and birds...it's DELICIOUS!!!!! :p


I really want to try a fried turkey too!!! I'm going to have to find someone to steal leftovers from!! LOL

lol yep i am italian! that another thing i forgot, the antipasto! never had a turkduken, but that sound really interesting. i love when the turkey is cooking in the oven and the stuffing in the turkey is coming out and getting all crispy and just when my mom puts the lemon butter on there, i sneak a big huge spoonful of stuffing and YUMMMM!

mmmm...meadow, yalls sounds alot like ours. very traditioanl. i love the traditions!!

DLM - no batter is needed - just plop the bird in the fryer - yep, one of those turkey fryers is needed! They are not greasy at all - you'd never know that it soaked in all that grease! It is the absolute best! If I could send you some - I would!

I'm cooking the traditional meal. Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatos, Gravy, Fried candied yams, Rolls, Corn, Cranberry sauce, fruit jello, Banana Wafer Pudding, Pumkin and Apple pies.
I'll spend the first half of the day cooking, 20 minutes eating , and the rest of the day cleaning up!

I'll be doing thanksgiving for the first time at my house and yes I think I may cheat on a few things as in buying store bought not making them myself but so far the plan is
Turkey
Mashed pototas and Gravy
Stuffing
Green bean casserole (Sorry JJT lol)
Rolls
Pumpkin pie and some other kind of pie or cake haven't decided yet

Here is how I do it.

Buy Fresh. Never frozen. Buy organic if you can.

Wash the bird, inside and out, making sure there are no extra body parts stuck up inside, pat dry with paper towels.

Butter the entire bird, inside and out. Butter, not margarine, not oleo, not some spray. Butter. Lots of it. Salt and pepper the inside cavity. Add some more salt. (Shake the salt in.. don't pour it in!!)

Stuffing:

Minced onion, sliced celery, a couple two or three whole cloves of garlic, chopped carrots, and some green pepper slices.

Mix with uncooked wild rice, about a cup or so, depending on how big the bird is. Don't competely fill the cavity with rice, as it will expand to double its size.

Stuff rice mixture into the cavity. Secure legs together with twine, or that metal thingy that comes with the bird.

Make sure skin of turkey is still covered with butter. Put bird into roasting pan, put pan into oven set at 400 degrees, uncovered.

Check bird every 15 minutes or so, basting each time. When the bird is the golden shade of brown, cover with tin foil tent, lower the oven to 325 degrees, and NEVER TOUCH IT AGAIN!!!

I have never learned how to time the turkey. Whatever minutes per pound at whatever degrees. I never pay attention to that, but rely on my nose to tell me when it will be done. And a meat thermometer. But my nose is more accurate!!!

Tom Turkey comes out fabulous every time.

JJT

I am going to see my hubby that day but home in the evening, don't want to go to his family's house and my mom is out of state...so....what can I make just for me? Who is going to be alone Thanksgiving and what will you cook?

My first, and impulsive, answer is: A quick stop to the local deli.

Around here, Safeway, Alberstons and Fred Meyer deli's are already selling sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy... the whole meal, as single serving plates.

There are also the small turkey breasts that you can buy, or a single turkey leg, depending on if you like white or dark meat.

I would stay away from canned sweet potato's though!! Yuk.

JJT

In NYC they don't have those places. I guess I can get something from my diner nearby...and no way to Canned Yams, I like them cooked from scratch!

I know, pathetic to be alone on Thanksgiving, but I kind of dont mind....someone invited me over but I dont want to be with other peoples families, ya know?

I completely know!!! For two years in a row, I spent Xmas at a friends and her families house. Very uncomfortable.

Cook yourself up a little turkey breast, some green beans (not w/ the durkee fried onions) and nuke a sweet potato. Or have grilled cheese with tomato soup!!!

It is Your thanksgiving. Make a meal that represents what you are thankful for... You guys favorite meal... a favorite meal of your childhood. No body said it has to be turkey and all the carbs!!!

JJT

Mrs G---Is your man about to come home? IT says 42 days? Shoot I say save money for Christmas with him go out and pick up a meal at a dinner/deli. And your done---no standing at the stove and no dishes to wash.

Hope you enjoy your visit with him on the holiday.

ONe

I wish he was coming home in 42 days...we have 42 days till Christmas..and thankfully we have a trailer together that weekend...I got lucky! :)

JJT, thanks, I like turkey and all the carbs, :p so maybe I will just make a cornish hen with all the extras....LOL

MrsG- I have always wanted to make a Cornish Hen but have never known really how to cook it- what do you do? Is it cooked the same length of time as other poultry- can you just roast it? I had it once with an orange glaze and it was delicious!

I cook it like a regular chicken in the oven 350* for like 1.5 hours or when it is brown...

I was invited to spend Thanksgiving with some friends, but really feel like I'd be uncomfortable and think I'll likely spend the day here with my little furkids. I think a stop at the deli is a great idea, our local groceries have had turkey and fixings for a while now too. I remember last year on Christmas Eve I had a turkey sandwich from Subway. By this time next year my guy should be at the halfway house and we should be able to spend Thanksgiving together, and hopefully he'll be home entirely by Christmas. Eek! I'll have to cook then!

I refuse to eat a turkey sandwich from Subways, :eek: I eat that everyday! :p lol

I decided to invite some friends over to MY house...LOL and make dinner for them! so I guess I will be making turkey, YIKES! :eek:

Hey Cottontail, well we are Italians too, but usually we kept Thanksgiving with out pasta LOL....strictly TURKEY, cranberry sauce, mashed and candied sweet potatoes, fresh rolls, some green veggie, corn, stuffing, salad and many PIES (banana cream, pumpkin, choclate cream)......strictly traditional...

but then Christmas is another story.....Crab, Mussels, Fried Calamari, Pasta, sausage and peppers, meatballs, eggplant, YOU NAME IT!!!!!!!! Lots of bread, cheese and for desseert...


fahgetaboutit!!!!!!

hey mrsg, i was trying to think of the name of the little chickens LOL cornish hen thats it! anyway just make that and stuff it with some stuffing and make all those other yummy foods that we all get to eat on thanksgiving!!!! GOSH I LOVE THANKSGIVING!

well, I am gonna make a turkey now for some friends... :)

I love TKG, too :)

I am going to see my hubby that day but home in the evening, don't want to go to his family's house and my mom is out of state...so....what can I make just for me? Who is going to be alone Thanksgiving and what will you cook?
Boston Market!:thumbsup:

I love to cook. Parts is parts, right? You can buy turkey parts depending on your preference. I say cook small portions of your favorite dishes. Enjoy the ritual/traditions from the past. Light candles and have a glass of wine, journal the details for your man. Tell him of your hopes and dreams and what you are truly thankful for at this time. You won't truly be alone, you have him in your heart and we are here for you, I am only a PM away... send me your phone number and we'll talk turkey!!!

Love,
Patty

AWW...Mrs. G, I will set you a place at my table!!! My family is dysfunctional and rowdy!! You play poker??? Have a great thanksgiving!! Hey, you should make one of those little cornish hens!! They are so cute!! Take pictures and write to him about your day!! He'll love it!

did some one say poker?? do you play texas holdem???? OH I LOVE THAT GAME! and i am really good at it too! lol

That game is Da Bomb.....I love it...I suck, but I love it!!!!
You comin for dinner and poker too meadow????

ooohhhhh i would LOVE to! me and my family are doing the whole italian thanksgiving, stuffed mushrooms, stuffing with lots of lemon and butter, mozarella and tomato, stuffed artichokes, YUMMMMM!!!!!!! there is this site that taught me how to play holem' though. go to worldpokertour.com and download the free game, it is really cool you can play for play chips, real money, with up to 10 people at a table or just 2! it's so much fun! :D

I guess you have not all read my update here....you guys are sweet...feeling sorry for lil ol me!

:) I am cooking for friends, change of plans :)

but I will come over to your place for some poker!

have fun cooking!!!!!!!!!


I love cooking!!!!!!!!!

~missing

great thanks!

~missing

Okay... so I told my family I would be cooking the turkey.

I meant I would be cooking the turkey.

They heard.... the turkey, the gravy and the in-bird rice stuffing and the out-of-bird bread stuffing.

I just wanted to cook the turkey.

JJT

I'd be flattered - your gravy and stuffings must be delicious :) (Wish my gravy was)

Well..... not to be one to brag or anything.... my gravy is pretty awesome!!

The secret... a tea strainer.

An old fashioned tea strainer. When I mix the milk and flour together... I pour it through the tea strainer and it gets rid of all the lumps!!

And!!!

Cayanne pepper. Just the slightest, smallest little bit. Brings the turkey flavoring right out in the gravy.

sssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh... don't tell anyone. My family hates cayanne pepper.

I have been using cayenne pepper in almost everything recently - (even macaroni and cheese) so I can imagine it would be great in gravy- will def. try your 'secret' recipe.

http://www.kirotv.com/thanksgiving/3751676/detail.html

How To Carve A Turkey

For many cooks, carving the turkey can be the most intimidating part of preparing the holiday meal. Butterball Turkey has four simple steps that will have any home chef carving like a pro in no time.

Cut band of skin holding drumsticks. Grasp end of drumstick. Place knife between drumstick/thigh and body of the turkey and cut through skin to joint. Remove entire leg by pulling out and back, using the point of the knife to disjoin it. Separate the thigh and drumstick at the joint.

Insert fork in upper wing to steady turkey. Make a long horizontal cut above wing joint through to body frame. Wing may be disjointed from body, if desired.

Slice straight down with an even stroke, beginning halfway up the breast. When knife reaches the cut above the wing joint, slice will fall free.

Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

I was just reading this article on allrecipes.com LOL

needless to say this is my first Thanksgiving that I am preparing all on my own!!!

Hope it helps!!!

My family has never been one on carving the turkey at the table. Takes too long. We go more for the rip and tear method!!

JJT

Rip & tear sounds so much easier to me!
LMAO :)

((((my grandfathers house burned down Thanksgiving day several yrs ago this way)))



Fried Turkey Delicious, But Dangerous

UPDATED: 9:11 AM EST November 24, 2004

With celebrity chefs raving about deep-fried turkey, it'll probably be the centerpiece of many Thanksgivings this year.

But beware: Turkey fryers pose a serious fire hazard, with dozens of people reporting burns.



THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving Recipes, Tips, More
History Of Thanksgiving
Saying "Thanks" Around The World
THE TURKEY
How Much Turkey Do You Need?
Preparation Tips
How Will You Use Leftovers?




Even professional chefs use extra care around any fryer, which is why filling a garbage can with oil and heating it up is just asking for trouble. If you have to fry, there are other options.

People who love deep-fried turkey say it tastes even better than a roast turkey, but most turkey fryers run on propane.

Tests at Underwriters Laboratories showed they are a real fire hazard. Many don't have automatic temperature controls, so the oil can get too hot. If you overfill the pot or put in a turkey that's still partially frozen, the oil can bubble over, catching fire and engulfing the pot in flames.

Consumer Reports recently tested an electric turkey fryer that is designed to be much safer. It's called the Turk 'N' Surf fryer, which has a maximum fill line for the oil to avoid spatters and flash fires.

Consumer Reports' John Macchia explained that it has another safety feature that makes it less of a fire hazard than many propane turkey fryers.

"Turk 'N' Surf has an automatic sensor that turns off the heating elements if the oil goes over 400 degrees," Macchia said.

The fryer also won't start if it hasn't been properly assembled.

Once the turkey is cooked, you do have to be careful lifting the fried turkey out of the hot oil, Macchia said. But all and all, Consumer Reports said the fryer is much safer than propane turkey fryers.

And when it comes to taste, Consumer Reports found it's just the way a turkey should be -- moist, juicy and tender.

However, don't let the approval rating lull you into a false sense of security -- the keyword here is electric is "safer" than the propane. You still must exercise extreme care. Here are some guidelines:


Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings

Never use on wooden decks or in garages

Never leave the fryer unattended

Never let children or pets near the fryer -- it remains dangerously hot hours after use

Make sure the turkey is completely thawed

Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc.

This year we had one oven cooked turkey and done deep fried turkey, injected with cajun spices!! Both were yummy and no fires from either one!!!

Thank you for the article!!

JJT

Thanksgiving Leftovers
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Throw a Party!


Invite a group of friends over for a casual get-together featuring foods made with leftovers from Turkey Day. Use leftover unused bread from the stuffing to make bread pudding. Make turkey hash, turkey soup or turkey casserole. It's an ideal time to entertain casually and in a relaxed style. Since you've already hosted Thanksgiving, your house is clean and may need only a quick once-over before guests arrive.

Make your invitations out of "recycled" material, too; write all the necessary information about the gathering with a metallic pen on large, dry, flat fall leaves you've gathered from the outdoors. Tuck them into a large envelope and mail.

Here are a few quick ideas for using up some common Thanksgiving leftovers.

Cranberry Sauce
Boil it down until it becomes cranberry syrup. Pour it over ice cream, tapioca pudding or custard for dessert.
View Recipe (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R046235&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)


Gravy
Put it in soup. It's a great base for all kinds of soups such as turkey-and-dumpling soup.
View Recipe (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=19123&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)


Candied Sweet Potatoes with Apples

Ingredients
Makes 4 servings.



3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
1 large cooking apple
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
11 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
Dash ground cloves
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted

Preparation

Wash and peel sweet potatoes. Cut off woody portions and ends. Cut potatoes diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place a steamer basket in a saucepan. Add water to just below the bottom of the steamer basket. Bring to boiling. Add potato slices. Cover and reduce heat. Steam for 10 to 15 minutes or until just tender; cool.
Meanwhile, core the unpeeled apple and cut into 12 wedges. In a greased, two-quart casserole combine potato slices and apple wedges.
In a small saucepan bring the brown sugar, water, margrine or butter, and cloves to boiling. Drizzle the mixture evenly over potatoes and apples.
Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until potatoes and apples are glazed, stirring twice. Sprinkle potatoes and apples with toasted pecans or walnuts.
Nutritional facts per serving: Calories: 255, total fat: 8g, saturated fat: 1g, cholesterol: 0mg, sodium: 48mg, carbohydrate: 47g, protein: 2g


Green Bean Casserole

Use the casserole as a filling base for turkey potpie. Or mix the casserole with bread crumbs, form patties, and saute until crisp. Use the patties alone as a side for roasted meats or as a base for poached eggs.
View Recipe (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=11363&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)


More Recipes

Leftover Turkey

Sausage-Wild Rice Casserole (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R037511&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Quick-to-Fix Turkey and Rice Soup (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=37363&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Hearty Turkey and Mushroom Casserole (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=35147&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Curried Turkey Soup (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=39030&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Chicken Hash (use turkey instead) (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=35078&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
African-Creole Turkey Gumbo (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=37261&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)

Leftover Bread
Apple Bread Pudding (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R026467&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Vanilla-Apple Bread Pudding (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R013229&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)

Leftover Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R024393&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Sweet Potato Pie (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R028589&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)


Decorating Ideas
Decorative Rim Pumpkin (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/13677.xml&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Fall Floral Centerpiece (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/13590.xml&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)

Post-Holiday Sunday Brunch

Dig into leftovers and prepare the final feast of the weekend—Sunday brunch.


Though most Thanksgiving feasts start around 3 p.m., there is another way to celebrate the day a little bit later: with a Thanksgiving brunch. You can still have turkey and cranberries and sweet potatoes and pumpkin, just in a slightly different form than usual. Decorations can be light and bright and not overdone. Fall flowers such as mums or an arrangement of flowers in fall colors or perhaps a luscious-looking pile of pretty red pears is just the thing for a holiday brunch table. Whether you do it on the day itself or the Sunday after the holiday, Thanksgiving brunch is a fun twist on tradition.



Thanksgiving Brunch Recipes
Turkey-Asparagus Brunch Bake (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R028125&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Turkey and Apple Breakfast Sausage (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=36329&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Ginger Marinated Fruit (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R028168&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Sweet Potato Pancakes (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R026026&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Breakfast Buttered Potatoes (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=39109&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Pumpkin-Pecan Bread (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R029072&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Cranberry-Pumpkin Scones (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=39229&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)

Thanksgiving at the Office

As much time as we spend at work, our officemates are really a second family. As a group we're a little dysfunctional in spots, but we're a kind of family nonetheless. So how about having a pre-Thanksgiving celebration at the office to get everyone in the holiday spirit and to show some gratitude to one another for all of the work you do together?



Send out an invitation via e-mail and/or by posting fliers around the office. In addition to the date and time, let your officemates know there will be a centrally located (maybe in the lunch or break room) sign-up sheet for everyone to bring a side dish or dessert. It's a good way to avoid facing 16 sweet potato casseroles and not much else on the day of the party. So that no one has to rise at 3 a.m. to roast a turkey before work, order a few pans of sliced turkey and gravy from the local supermarket deli. Eat it with a knife and fork or make hot turkey and gravy sandwiches. Chilled sparkling cider is a festive and safe beverage choice for an office gathering.



Decorations can be quick and on-the-spot: a garland of autumn leaves strung across the dry-erase or bulletin board, a cluster of miniature gourds and squash intermingled with some bright dried fall berries in the center of the buffet table.



The menu can be traditional or tradition-with-a-twist. Part of the fun is tasting a bit of Thanksgiving the way your coworkers experience it. Though you may have your own family favorites, here are a few fun food ideas for an office party.



Office Party Recipes
Cranberry-Pistachio Pate (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R057611&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Apple-Fennel Salad with Spiced Cider Vinaigrette (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R051187&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Spirited (or Non-Spirited) Cranberry Slush (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R050643&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Ginger Cranberry Relish (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=14123&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Fresh Onion Dip (served with sweet potato chips) (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R050469&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Cranberry Sauced Meatballs (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=R046235&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Apples with Pistachio-Almond Butter (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=36945&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Almond-Brie Spread (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=23066&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)
Pumpkin Pound Cake (http://g.msn.com/2HA/1?http://www.bhg.com/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=37063&CM=BHGMoreLinks&CE=TextArea1&HL=BHGMoreLinks)

My families approach to leftover Thanksgiving food... just grab a plate, and eat it!!!!:thumbsup:

JJT

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Makes 8 servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 5 1/2 hours

Ingredients
Gingersnap Crust (see recipe below) or Baked Pastry Shell (see recipe below)
1/2 cup sugar
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup milk
2 egg yolks
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar Whipped cream (optional)
Chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Directions
1. Prepare Gingersnap Crust or Baked Pastry Shell; set aside. 2. For filling: In a heavy medium saucepan, stir together the 1/2 cup sugar, gelatin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, ginger, and nutmeg; stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin dissolves. 3. In a medium mixing bowl, slightly beat egg yolks with a rotary beater or fork. Gradually stir about half of the hot milk mixture into yolks. Pour yolk mixture into hot filling in pan. Stir in pumpkin. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Cover and chill until the pumpkin mixture mounds when spooned, stirring occasionally (1 to 1-1/2 hours).

4. In a chilled medium mixing bowl, combine the whipping cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Beat with chilled beaters of an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture. Cover and chill again until mixture mounds when spooned (about 30 minutes).

5. Transfer the filling to Gingersnap Crust. Cover and chill about 4 hours or until set. If desired, garnish with additional whipped cream and top with pecans.

Makes 8 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Pie can be assembled and chilled overnight before serving.

Gingersnap Crust: Combine 1/3 cup melted butter and 1-1/4 cups finely crushed gingersnaps (20 to 22 cookies) in a medium mixing bowl; toss to mix well. Spread evenly into a 9-inch pie plate. Press onto bottom and up sides to form a firm, even crust. Chill about 1 hour or until firm. (Or, bake in a 375 degree F oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until edge is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack before filling.) Makes 1 (9-inch) pie crust.

Graham Cracker Crust: To make a graham cracker crust, prepare as above except stir 1/4 cup sugar into the melted butter and substitute 1-1/4 cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 18 squares) for the crushed gingersnaps.

Baked Pastry Shell: Prepare Pastry for Single-Crust Pie. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to slightly flatten dough. Roll dough from center to edges into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. To transfer pastry, wrap it around the rolling pin. Unroll pastry into a 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into pie plate, being careful not to stretch pastry. Trim pastry to 1/2-inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry. Crimp edge as desired. Generously prick bottom and sides of pastry in pie plate with a fork. Prick all around where bottom and sides meet. Line pastry with a double thickness of foil. Bake in a 450 degree F oven for 8 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 to 6 minutes more or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Does anyone have any good reciepes for left over Halloween pumpkins? I have 5 pumpkins and feel really bad letting them rot and throwing them out!

So I was hoping to find some good uses for them or ways to make them some tasty treats!

Does anyone have any recipes,uses,magic spells, potions??? ;)

BREAD! Know how folks make zuchinni bread and such? Just use pumpkin instead and add some nuts and stuff that you like and it is LOVELY with a cream cheese glaze... or you can make it thin and turn it into a pumpkin roll. :)

Pies are a good option too, but too much work to completely make from scratch. (Just my opinion.)

I'll add a recipe for the bread on here later though. :)

Happy baking!!!

Jenn

As MrsBenji suggested Pumpkin Bread is a good way to make use of leftover pumpkin.Here is one recipe I found that looks very easy.(http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000842pumpkin_bread.php)

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

The recipe calls for a cup of pumpkin purée which you can either get from a can, or make yourself by steaming or roasting the pumpkin pieces, removing the skins, and blending in a food processor.

1 1/2 cups (210g) flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup (200 g) sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (1/4 L) pumpkin purée
1/2 cup (1 dL) olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup (1 dL) chopped walnuts

(metric measurements in parentheses)

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and spices together, then combine with the dry ingredients, but do not mix too thoroughly. Stir in the nuts. Pour into a well-buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a straw poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack.

Makes one loaf.

Pumpkin Soup! Just bake the pumpkin, scrape out the pulp and puree. Then you can use chicken stock, and all of the spices for a pie plus some cream or milk (plus a little sugar if you like). It's delicious.

Or you can cut 'way back on the spices and add curry powder.

Here is an old thread on pumpkin recipes. http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87036&highlight=pumpkin

What will you be making and/or eating this Turkey day?

I'll be making:
Turkey (Ok ok so I am not making this I am buying one from the supermarket lol)
Stuffing
Mashed potatoes and Gravy
Spinach pie
Corn and Cheese casserole
Green bean casserole
Dinner rolls

Pumpkin pie (again not making myself)
Cherry pie

Turkey/dressing
Collard greens
Mashed pots
Yams
Mac/Cheese
Sweet pot pie
Cranberry Sauce
Cornbread
Gravy
Dinner Rolls

Thanksgiving Dinner Primer

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time? Here's everything you need to know about planning and putting on a terrific holiday meal.

http://bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?sssdmh=dm1.168227&storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/ThanksgivingDinnerPrimer_10112004.xml&catref=cat600020&esrc=nwwr19&email=sapphire1125@aol.com

Funny you should post this because I was just thinking about it. My mom is super busy with church and her missionary work that I knew she was worried about being able to fit in Thanksgiving preperations so I volunteered to do it for her. Now I am a good cook but I have just never taken on this much responsibility before and I don't want to let anyone down. So I have so far.... And please jump in with any suggestions that you think I should add, I would appreciate it

Turkey, organic of course
Mashed potatoes with gravey
Rolls
Stuffing


And that is about it...

California Sunshie What is spinish pie???

You have me real curious about this because even the little monsters in my family like spinich. Please share! What will you be making and/or eating this Turkey day?

I'll be making:
Turkey (Ok ok so I am not making this I am buying one from the supermarket lol)
Stuffing
Mashed potatoes and Gravy
Spinach pie
Corn and Cheese casserole
Green bean casserole
Dinner rolls

Pumpkin pie (again not making myself)
Cherry pie

Turkey
Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Corn
Cranberry Sauce
Raspberry Jello with Whole Cranberries, Pineapple and Walnuts
Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Topping
Blackberry Crisp

Have any of you ever fried a turkey? I saw something on the internet and I started to wonder about it. I would love to try it this Thanksgiving but wanted to talk to some people who have done it.

My Aunt makes Deep Fried Turkey every year it is so good!

This year my menu consists of Nothing! :( So whatever someone is cooking (one of my friend) I will be eating!

Turkey
oyster dressing
mashed potatoes and gravy
green beans with ham hocks
sweet potato casserole
corn/Swiss chess casserole
beet salad
creamed onions
cranberry salad
homemade yeast rolls
white chocolate coconut pie
date nut pudding
rum cake
and vegetable and cheese tray

For appetizers:
I make this hamburger meat, jimmy dean sausage mix together with velveta cheese and then spread on some rye bread and cook in oven for 10 min. I don't know the name but very good.

Turkey
Ham
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Brocoli Salad
Rolls

Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie

California Sunshie What is spinish pie???

You have me real curious about this because even the little monsters in my family like spinich. Please share!
California Sunshine posted the Spinach Pie recipe awhile ago which I have just found in the Vegetables thread :http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1066605&postcount=63

:wave: Lovespell We call it Hanky Panky I make it for every family gathering.

We will be having:

Turkey (deep fried)
Dressing
Mashed potatoes
Gravey
Sweet Potatoe Cassarole
Corn Cassarole
Green Bean Cassarole
Bob Evans Rolls

Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie

I think I might try that Spinich pie that sounded pretty good:)

It's really popular in the south. I never heard of it until I moved to Georgia. It's very moist compared to the dry turkey in the oven. Folks down here would have it no other way!

I have a couple of friends who have those huge fryers for turkey, etc. It tastes pretty darn good! I know someone who tried frying a turkey in a big pot and it didn't work very well. The fryers made for this are expensive.. starting at about $80 I think.

I was at my brothers for thanksgiving once and he fried the turkey in one of those turkey friers. It was VERY GOOD!!!! I would recomend it to anyone. The meat was juicy, not dry, and it cooked very fast. I don't have one of those fryers so I can't cook it like that this year :(, but it does taste great!

mmm...my favorite meal of the year! LOL

turkey
mashed potatos
gravy
stuffing
sweet potatos
green bean casserole
rolls
scalloped corn
strawberry fruit punch
pumpkin pie w/ cool whip

Well, if my husband was home, I would be making

Turkey
Ham
Collard Greens
Sweet potatoes
macaroni and cheese
mashed potatoes
green bean casserole
rolls

pineapple cake
pecan pie
sweet potatoe pie

but since hes not here, I will be eating at my moms house, and who knows what shes making!

My friend does it all the time. They have the fryers at walmart, not too bad priced. Then he injects it with melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and whatever seasonings you like. Also does a garlic rub on the outside of it. When you fry it you need peanut oil and depending on the size usually takes about and hour. The best turkey I have ever ate!

Thanks everyone. I am online now doing my homework to see if I want to go out and buy a turkey fryer this weekend. Here are a few great links I found on not only cooking the turkey but precautions too so you don't burn the house down.:p I heard this Allstate commerical yesterday that said something like 238 of our customers fried turkeys last Thanksgiving; but 15 of them burned down their garages!:eek: OMG!!! I started to freak out for a minute which is why I am doing my homework. Here are some links if you're interested.

Safety
http://www.ul.com/consumers/turkeys.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04041.html

Where to Buy Fryers
http://www.turkey-fryers-online.com/
http://www.elitedeals.com/turkeyfryers.html
http://www.turkeyfryerexpress.com/
http://www.turkey-fryers.com/

Recipes
http://www.eatturkey.com/consumer/cookinfo/fryturk.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_9870,00.html
http://www.turkeyfryerexpress.com/relatedlinks.asp
http://thanksgiving.allrecipes.com/az/DeepFriedTurkey.asp
http://www.mystery.com/semgs/df_turkey.html
http://foodgeeks.com/recipes/recipe.phtml?recipe_id=4763
http://www.gumbopages.com/food/poultry/fried-turk.html
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/258/CajunDeepFriedTurkeyII62714.shtml
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blpoul1.htm
http://www.usadeepsouth.com/article1041.html

Ok Ya'll I think that is more than enough info to get me started on learning first before I leap!

Don't you have to soak it in a brine first?....I watched a neighbor do it once and it was kinda scary with all of the grease splattering everywhere.....if you do decide to fry a turkey make you you are a safe distance from any buildings and you have a fire extinguisher.


pw

They are delicious. Also smoked turkey is yummy too. You cook it in a smoker at real low temps, overnight. It is well worth the time involved. Good luck with your research into fried turkey

I'm not sure about the brine PW; but if I do it I will be outside in my driveway with the fire extinguisher right next to me!:)

Don't you have to soak it in a brine first?....I watched a neighbor do it once and it was kinda scary with all of the grease splattering everywhere.....if you do decide to fry a turkey make you you are a safe distance from any buildings and you have a fire extinguisher.


pw

Nanab - I have a smoker and have made smoked turkey before; but I hear nothing beats the juicyness of a fried turkey!:)

They are delicious. Also smoked turkey is yummy too. You cook it in a smoker at real low temps, overnight. It is well worth the time involved. Good luck with your research into fried turkey

Thank you DLM for the post. I checked it out and hey it sounds good to me. I see a lot of variety in these posts so thanks for the good ideas I think I know what i will be adding to my menu.

Never fried one. Everybody always says to be careful. Make sure oil doesn't overflow, etc. Good luck :)

Fried turkeys are fantastic! They turn out so moist. One of our sons got a fryer and we have fried turkeys and pork tenderloins.

I have decided that I am just not up for the challenge this Thanksgiving, so I just watched FoodTV and found the Cajun Turley Company. http://www.cajunturkeyco.com/product_id=1404.html

They fry turkeys with cajun spices, so I am ordering my cajun fried turkey for Thanksgiving. Next year I will be well prepared and plan well in advance to fry my own turkey. I'll let you all know how it was after the big day.

Whether you’re tackling a Thanksgiving turkey for the first – or hundredth time, our top ten tips will ensure your big bird is the best it can be.
1. Thawing a frozen turkey requires patience. The safest method is to thaw turkey in the refrigerator. Be sure to plan ahead, though. It takes approximately 3 days for a 20 pound turkey to defrost.

2. For crisper skin, uncover the turkey the day before roasting and let it stand in the refrigerator overnight.

3. Cook times will differ depending on whether your bird was purchased fresh or frozen. Figure on 20 minutes per pound in a 350 degree oven for a defrosted turkey, and 10 to 15 minutes per pound for fresh.

4. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed. As an alternative, add flavor by loosely filling the cavity with aromatic vegetables—carrots, celery, onion, or garlic work nicely—or by carefully tucking fresh herbs underneath the breast skin.

5. Before roasting, coat the outside of the turkey with vegetable or olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and tightly cover the breast with aluminum foil.

6. For even roasting, learn how to truss poultry. FoodTV has excellent instructions on this here http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/ck_dm_advanced/article/0,1971,FOOD_9798_1740203,00.html

7. Don't be a peeping tom (no pun intended)! Once you get the turkey in the oven, resist the temptation to open the oven door and admire your handiwork. When the oven temperature fluctuates, you're only increasing the likelihood of a dry bird. Wait until about 45 minutes before you think the turkey is done. Then remove the foil from the breast to allow it to brown.

8. Take the turkey out of the oven when the deepest spot between the leg and the breast reads 180 degrees F on an instant read meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature of the stuffing as well; it should be at least 165 degrees.

9. After removing from the oven, tent the bird with foil and let rest for about 15 minutes before carving. If you need more time to make gravy, brown and heat up side dishes, etc., you can let it sit for up to an hour without losing too much heat.

10. Remember to carve your turkey with a very sharp knife.

Harvest Pumpkin Dip
1 cup solid pack pumpkin
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup cool whip
Pecans chopped for topping

Combine pumpkin, sour cream, brown sugar and cinnamon; whisk. Fold in Cool Whip. Top with chopped pecans. Serve

For leftovers:
Turkey & Tortellini Salad

Servings: 8
1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 oz.)

6 cups salad greens,pre-washed
3 cups cooked Turkey, chopped

1/2 cup low fat Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Black pepper, freshly cracked
Instructions:
Cook and drain tortellini as directed on package, let cool slightly in colander. Mix tortellini, greens, turkey and dressing; top with parmesan cheese and cracked pepper to serve

What are you all doing for Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving this year, for me, will be like last year...BORING!!!!!!!!!!!! :(

What do you usually do for Thanksgiving? We don't have any real traditions other than enjoying each other's company. I usually just soend the day at home with my mom and my girls. We always go to the movies. Just really a quiet day at home with the family. I like it this way too.


thanksgiving this year will be like last year...BORING!!!!!!!!!!!! :(

well, honestly this used to be a HUGE BIG DEAL in my house...my mom did it up!!! Gramma came over, my brother and I were actually related...we watched movies...ate...now...well you know...none of that is there anymore. This year I will be eating pizza at this rate I am going LOL

Thanksgiving has never been a BIG deal in my family, I live with my Grandparents and my Mom has always lived close (or before that she and my sibling used to live here), so they are the only people I ever celebrate the holiday with...but we do EAT:D This year I will be working till 3:blah: then eating...and prolly being back on the computer...sounds like fun, huh?!? Hugs:p
-Jackie

We had our Thanksgiving in Canada in October-very quiet day which was nice. For those without any plans, you might want to consider doing something practical by helping serve dinner in a homeless shelter/soup kitchen or packing groceries in a food bank- wherever help is needed.

That is a great idea Deb. I keep saying that I am going to do that each year and never get around to it. I am going to make a point of doing this next year. We all have so much to be thankful for!

Italian Sausage Stuffing

1 package (about 20 oz) of mild italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 c. butter
2 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 c. unseasoned cubed bread stuffing
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. rubbed sage
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 c. chicken broth
2 eggs, lightly beaten

In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from skillet, set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the onion, celery, green pepper and garlic; saute until tender.

In a very large bowl, combine the cubed stuffing, sausage, celery mixture, cheese, olives and seasoning. Add broth and eggs; toss to combine. Spoon into a buttered 3-quart baking dish. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for one hour. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned.

Servings: 14-16

We don't do much besides eat LOL
This will be the second year everyone is coming to my house and we just eat and sit around chatting

Ya know? Atlanta is getting closer and closer to Columbia, SC! You keep postng all of this good food stuff and I'm headed your way..............

I have family come over and I cook. It's a good time to talk etc. This will be my guy's first Thanksgiving since he got out last February.

Besides eat....Watch football...

I'm working until 7 am then going across state to visit my hubby and hopefully meet up with some PTO members before and after visits on Thursday and Friday!

Since it's only me and my 2 daughters and we will be spending the day over family's. For home i will be making:

Rotisserie Chicken (no turkey since its only for 3)
Chicken Dressing
Greens
Candied Yams
Mac and Cheese
Cranberry sauce
Potato Salad (store brought, but i doctor that up to taste like homemade)

My 13 year old will be baking a cake.

This years menu:

Turkey, of course (baked & fried)
Cornbread dressing w/ gravy
Candied Yams
Collard Greens
Patti LaBelle's macaroni & cheese
Potato salad
Dinner rolls
Cranberry sauce

Dessert:
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Cake

This is my first year making my own turkey, and I want it to turn out fantastic. I know how I'll cook mine, but was curious as to how all of you go about roasting your turkey??? Do you make your own marinade/rub to put on your turkey?...if so what do you use?

I have no idea what brining is, or why you need to do it??? I heard it takes a long time so I think I'll skip that part!

For my turkey I'll put it in the oven. I'm not sure if I'm suppost put foil on the rack the turkey sits on or not??? Any ideas on that? I'll make my own rub...I'll take a stick of butter (or 2!) that's soft, parsley, and lemon zest, mix it all together and spoon in on the turkey under the skin...smear it around, then rub the whole top and sides of the turkey with the rub...then bake. I hope it turns out great!

I chose the oven rather than an actual roaster cause, I think I'll get more of the browning color. In our roaster that sits on the counter top...it doesn't brown the turkey very well.

It's only 2 days before Thanksgiving, so you must know by now how you're gonna cook it!!! Lets share how you'll roast it...

I rub my turkey with mayonnaise all over before I season it. The helps to make it so moist - never dry. I use all sorts of good spices like garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, pepper, I stuff fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs underneath the skin, I stuff the cavity with a whole onion and about 4 garlic gloves. I always roast my turkey in an Oven Bag too. I tear open the oven bag and roast it uncovered for the last 30 minutes to crisp up the skin. Yummy!

Mayo. I will try that. Thanks.

It my first dinner Iwould like to know how to make dressing please tell me

I have in the past pinned (with toothpicks) strips of bacon to cover the breast, or all over- keeps it moist- then take them off the last 30 minutes to brown. Yummy too.

I don't know myself but looking for a really good cornbread dressing recipie myself.

Those are unique ideas! I never heard of the Mayo or bacon idea!

Nuro's Wife~ Do you rub on the mayo...and then rub on your spices on top of that? Or do you mix your spices with the mayo??? Sounds interesting! Do you think I could do it if I don't use a bag?

I rub the mayo on first and then rub the spices on top. You can do it without the bag. I have done it, occassionally, without the bag. The moistness is still there.

I use Mayo on Chicken all the time.. it gives it a great unique taste!

Here are some recipe links for cornbread dressing. My mom makes it too but she is one of those great cooks - needs so recipe; but I sure do.

http://search.allrecipes.com/SearchResults.asp?site=allrecipes&allrecipes=allrecipes&q1=cornbread+dressing

http://www.grannys-coupons.com/recipes/sides/cornbreaddressing.html

http://www.cooks.com/rec/search?q=cornbread+dressing

http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/recipes/bread_stuffing.html

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=recipe1784

I may have to try that!

Now can any of you tell me why you would need to brine a turkey? I have an organic turkey that does NOT have anything injected into it.

That's the stuffing we make every year for thanksgiving....It is delicious!!!! (minus the olives....YUCK lol)

Just like mama used to make!!! no stove top at our house!!!!

If not turkey, what do you make? I was just thinking about baking a chicken instead...

Who doesn't make turkey or eat turkey???

I usually make a turkey but have been to some T-day dinners where they served alternative meats:

Standing rib roast (very expensive)
Prime Rib
Some fish thing...... I don't eat fish, so I wasn't too happy that year!!

Dont' forget that there are those that celebrate Vegetarian T-days!

JJT

Ham? I have been to Thanksgiving meals where spaghetti was served! Whatever makes your family happy is acceptable.

I have never heard of mayo on the bird!!

I wash the bird, then pat it dry.
Sprinkle salt inside and outside.
Rub it down with butter, then more butter, then just a little bit more.
Stuff it with a rice and vegetable mix, leaving enough room for the rice to expand.
Then put the bird in the oven and brown it first. Not all the way to a golden brown, but just until it is a light brown.
Baste the bird once with the droppings from the pan.
Then put the tin foil tent on him, and never touch it again.
I use the cooking instructions (so many minutes per pound) as a guideline, but use my nose as the final indicator that the bird is done.
Then, just as it is done, I take the tin foil off, baste it once more, and cook it until it is a dark, rich brown.

I have cooked turkeys this way for years. Usually, they fall apart taking them out of the roasting pan!! The top half comes off, which just makes it easier to get all the stuffing out and into a serving dish! Then I take the bottom half out, put it on the serving platter, and put the top back on it.

Falls apart, juicey turkeys!!

**drools**

JJT

Here are 3 different ways to brine a turkey. I have never brined, so can't say which is the best.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_8389,00.html
http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey3.html
http://www.sayrelyns.com/corner/turkeybrine.html

I have made cornish hens and roasting Chickens for Thanksgiving when it's just the girls and I. A whole turkey is too much for the three of us to eat. I have also bought just the turkey breast and roasted that. We can eat off that for days. I have also bought turkey breast tenderloin and roasted it as opposed to a whole bird.

I know a lot of my family goes bowling later in the evening. That is always fun.

We always go to the movies on Thanksgiving and Christmas after dinner. It has been our tradition for years.

Help me ya'll...what is brining?

Eat, sleep, football, talk, eat.....

Sweet Potato Pecan Bars

Prep: 15 min.
Bake: 37 min.

Ingredients
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons finely chopped toasted pecans
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes*
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup milk
1 cup chopped toasted pecansDirections

1.In a medium mixing bowl combine butter and the 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in graham cracker crumbs and the 3 tablespoons pecans until well-combined. Press onto bottom of a lightly greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly (5 minutes) while preparing filling.

2. For filling, in a large bowl stir together beaten eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, and sour cream. Stir in the 1/2 cup sugar, the flour, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in milk. Pour sweet potato mixture over prebaked crust, spreading evenly. Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately sprinkle with remaining chopped nuts; press lightly into filling. Cool completely. Cut into bars about 2x1-1/2-inches. Cover and store in refrigerator up to 24 hours.

Makes 36 bars.

*Note: Use canned or left-over cooked mashed sweet potatoes.

Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Squares

Makes 24

2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 tablespoon pumpkin-pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin purée
1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin purée (mixture may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

3. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.

4. Lift cake from pan (using foil as an aid). Peel off foil, and use a serrated knife to cut into 24 squares. Note: If you can’t find pumpkin-pie spice, substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon each allspice and cloves (all ground).

Awesome! Sounds very yummy for the tummy!