All things Thanksgiving!!!!!

[sgtboring]

What are you planning for Thursday?

[jdmetzger]

I have the usual plans. Go across town to my parents house. They host the events for the family, so aside from them, my brother, his family, and most of my cousins, aunts, and uncles will be there. Always a good time. Mmmmmm... turkey! :drool:

Afterwards I get home and try to work off the food I ate by walking the dog.

:)

[adamceckhardt]

I think I got this idea from someone on this forum, so thanks, (and sorry for posting it again)

I'm stuffing the turkey with apples, pears, grapefruit, oranges, and covering it in a bacon weave. Bought all the supplies yesterday, and am eagerly awaiting Thursday!

Family is almost 3000 miles away, so its the girlfriend and a handful of friends that are in the same boat...

[SNC1923]

Wife's immediates are coming over and we're cooking a bird (and hoping our fickle oven remains lit).

I'll start in on cocktails at about 3:00, eat twice as much as I should, and will pull a fade on the sofa at about 6:30 or 7:00.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

[sgtboring]

I purchased a Turkey Frying Rig From Bass Pro. I have built my Alton Brown Turkey Derrick ( I fantastic contraption using a ladder, some pulleys, a carabiner clip and 30' of cotton rope) :thumb

http://www.altonbrown.com/

I am also doing a traditional turkey in case the fire department decides to stop by for turkey. :dance

I should have enough food to feed a pocket sized Battalion. If anyone does not have a place to eat and hang out on Thursday afternoon just let me know! We would love to serve you. :)

[rocketman]

Wife's immediates are coming over and we're cooking a bird (and hoping our fickle oven remains lit).

I'll start in on cocktails at about 3:00, eat twice as much as I should, and will pull a fade on the sofa at about 6:30 or 7:00.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.


now that's my idea of a Plan!:)

Folks (Jeanne's) are coming up for turkey day, I've got the Egg Nog spiced up nicely, turkey and all the fixin' ready to be cooked up, I probably won't wait til turkey day to test the Nog (like today when I get home, most likely!) or maybe I'll have a nice warm spiced RUM Toddy (it was a chilly ride into to work and ain't getting much warmer today!). Then after dinner, I too, will "relax" on the recliner sofa. :)

RM

[tourunigo]

... I always enjoyed Thanksgiving when I lived in Portland, Maine (for many years;many years ago). A big day with great smells, 'the game' on tv and the constant moving by all in the kitchen. Now back in Canada (again for many years), Thanksgiving plays a less major role and the U.S. Thanksgiving has since become a distant smile unfortunately. However, this Thursday I look forward to hearing the outcome of the Deering High School (my school) and Portland High School annual Thanksgiving Day football game. Haven't been to one of those for about six years (last one had the streaker run the full length field at half-time..... that boy ran with mucho pride in the freezing cold :thumb ). Anyway, minor though it may be, that's what this old boy is doing on Thursday. -Bob

[535is]

What are you planning for Thursday?

A long drive to our Ohio home town. Had our own Thanksgiving turkey yesterday since we'll probably get there just in time for leftovers (from two families ... enough to explode your stomach, nonetheless). I think I'll be doing some maintenance on the RS with my brother, so if you happen to see the beast in my avatar on a trailer behind a red Jeep anywhere in northern Indiana or Illinois between east coast Wisconsin and eastern Ohio, a honk and a wave would be appreciated. :wave

[Holly]

Yup, we Canadians prefer to hold our harvest festival when the harvest is recent memory, not covered in snow. I was in CO for Thanksgiving this year and let me tell you, it is not easy finding a turkey in Boulder in early October. Finally had to give in and go with a frozen one. Since I had no clue how to cook a frozen turkey, I went onto the internet and found that recent research opines that it should go straight from freezer to oven. Apparently healthier since you don't get thawing juices in your fridge/sink. It took a lot longer than I thought it would, but the end result was delicious.

Holly

[Belquar]

I think I got this idea from someone on this forum, so thanks, (and sorry for posting it again)

I'm stuffing the turkey with apples, pears, grapefruit, oranges, and covering it in a bacon weave. Bought all the supplies yesterday, and am eagerly awaiting Thursday!

Family is almost 3000 miles away, so its the girlfriend and a handful of friends that are in the same boat...

Your gonna love it. GeoBeemer PM'd me about it too. I think he is planning the same.

IT makes a tasty bird. Let me know how it turns out.

As for my Thursday plans....I am working 24 hours that day. I think I will start the morning off with a bowl of cereal. Lunch....probably something frozen that goes in the microwave. Dinner...same as lunch.

My "Thanksgiving" will actually be on Saturday. Where I will have the bird as described by Adam. I don't remember a Thanksgiving where we didn't do it like that. So that is at least 25 years. We did entertain some friends a few years back who for religious reasons could not partake, we made a small turkey breast sans the bacon for them.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

[The_Veg]

Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday too, since family and food seem to be central themes. In addition to that, and I may be seeing this additional point through MUCH historical distortion but it's the thought that counts, I sometimes think of what we all heard about in elementary school as 'the first thanksgiving' and it reminds me that there once was a time when we hadn't yet pissed off the natives and I often wonder how history would have turned out if the relationship had remained harmonious.

But enough philosophising. Back to business at hand. My immediate family all live at least 600 miles away. My mom doesn't do anything fancy for holidays anymore, and neither do my dad and his wife. My brother works in TV news and always volunteers to work the holidays as he likes the combination of extra pay + less stress + the skeleton-crew usually make a feast of it, with one of the anchors bringing a smoker and firing it up in the parking-lot for fresh hot turkey.
But I won't be alone. My best friend (who calls me his 'brother from another mother') will be down from Colorado. He'll have his sweetheart and daughter with him, and we'll all be at his folks' house down in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it town near Waco. His folks are rednecks with hearts of gold, and we'll do plenty of target-shooting while the turkey cooks. I think we'll have a .357 magnum, a 30-06, and a Kalashnikov on hand, at least.
I'm also wondering if I can make a pumpkin pie with bourbon in it without the filling getting too thin. I think that would go over very happily if I can.

[sgtboring]

I think we'll have a .357 magnum, a 30-06, and a Kalashnikov on hand, at least.
I'm also wondering if I can make a pumpkin pie with bourbon in it without the filling getting too thin. I think that would go over very happily if I can.

I this a great contry or what@!!&%!!!!!:thumb

[lamble]

We don't celebrate Thanks Giving, but do get asked what we do. So, when faced with the question this weekend, I replied with, "so what are you giving thanks for?"

Three said that it was 'thanks for the family', one said it was 'thanks for being an American', one said and I quote, "dunno, all sorts of good stuff".
None attributed thanks giving to anything historical.

Is that just slightly disturbing?

[lamble]

Yup, we Canadians prefer to hold our harvest festival when the harvest is recent memory, not covered in snow. I was in CO for Thanksgiving this year and let me tell you, it is not easy finding a turkey in Boulder in early October. Finally had to give in and go with a frozen one. Since I had no clue how to cook a frozen turkey, I went onto the internet and found that recent research opines that it should go straight from freezer to oven. Apparently healthier since you don't get thawing juices in your fridge/sink. It took a lot longer than I thought it would, but the end result was delicious.

Holly

Frozen to oven...no way!
What about salmonela poisoning?

Defrost on a rack, so the juices fall in the bottom of the tray and can be removed.

[tessler]

Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday too, since family and food seem to be central themes. In addition to that, and I may be seeing this additional point through MUCH historical distortion but it's the thought that counts, I sometimes think of what we all heard about in elementary school as 'the first thanksgiving' and it reminds me that there once was a time when we hadn't yet pissed off the natives and I often wonder how history would have turned out if the relationship had remained harmonious.

But enough philosophising. Back to business at hand. My immediate family all live at least 600 miles away. My mom doesn't do anything fancy for holidays anymore, and neither do my dad and his wife. My brother works in TV news and always volunteers to work the holidays as he likes the combination of extra pay + less stress + the skeleton-crew usually make a feast of it, with one of the anchors bringing a smoker and firing it up in the parking-lot for fresh hot turkey.
But I won't be alone. My best friend (who calls me his 'brother from another mother') will be down from Colorado. He'll have his sweetheart and daughter with him, and we'll all be at his folks' house down in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it town near Waco. His folks are rednecks with hearts of gold, and we'll do plenty of target-shooting while the turkey cooks. I think we'll have a .357 magnum, a 30-06, and a Kalashnikov on hand, at least.
I'm also wondering if I can make a pumpkin pie with bourbon in it without the filling getting too thin. I think that would go over very happily if I can.Since I don't follow Football, the concept of Target Shooting, Bourbon and Pie sounds like a great time. :thumb

[RebeccaV]

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday too. I can't wait to get together with the family and catch up. It's fun having everyone together and as an added bonus the Packers are playing!!:dance

On an interesting note, I've been asked NOT to cook anything this year. :D

[rocketman]

Since I don't follow Football, the concept of Target Shooting, Bourbon and Pie sounds like a great time. :thumb

let me guess, you drink a bunch of bourbon, throw the pies and shoot at them? hmmmmm, could be fun.:)

RM

[tessler]

let me guess, you drink a bunch of bourbon, throw the pies and shoot at them? hmmmmm, could be fun.:)
Yes. And in Central Park no less. I imagine the NYPD will be curious tho... ;)

[Holly]

Frozen to oven...no way!
What about salmonela poisoning?

Defrost on a rack, so the juices fall in the bottom of the tray and can be removed.

It's weird but it works. Just use a thermometer to make sure you get to the proper temperature to kill Sam and Ella. Of course, now that I'm home I'll be back to fresh turkeys and won't have to use this technique.

http://busycooks.about.com/od/thanksgiving/a/cookfrozenturke.htm

Holly

[bubbagazoo]

To thaw a frozen turkey, chicken or any other kinda meat, submerge it in cold water. It actually thaws faster than sitting on the counter and is (from a food safety pov) quite safe. If you have a large bird, you will probably need to start the thawing process the day before and have a couple of water changes.

[Burnszilla]

Every Thanksgiving we ride down to LA to have dinner at my cousin's place in Redondo.
Tourist plans this year: Riding in the mountains around the Rock Store, going to the Wisky-a-Go-Go in Hollywood to see the Van Halen tribute band The Atomic Punks and staying a night at the 'W' in Westwood.
:rocker

[Rapid_Roy]

On Thursday morning, I have to get 1 bike in the basement, the mini-bike in the shed, and my wife's car in the garage, and all the Christmas stuff out. Then, on to Mother-in-law's for a tasty Thanksgiving of Turkey and all the trimmin's. Then, we go home and I pack for camping up by Sturgeon Bay at Potowatami Park.

[BubbaZanetti]

was gonna skip it and stay in the city/chill with friends. but the more i thought about the food, the more i wanted some. i'm gonna head up to my girlfriend's parent's place and partake in a little new england tranquility for a few days.:thumb

[Sue]

First we will watch the Green Bay Packers severely TROUNCE Detroit while enjoying Brandy Old Fashioneds, some locally micorbrewed IPA, and a glass (or more) of red wine.

Following that, we'll have a spread of Traditional Thanksgiving favorites while sitting around the big table in our country kitchen.

I am tantalized by the fruit and bacon stuffing, though. Someone tell me more about this!

[lamble]

First we will watch the Green Bay Packers severely TROUNCE Detroit while enjoying Brandy Old Fashioneds, some locally micorbrewed IPA, and a glass (or more) of red wine.

Following that, we'll have a spread of Traditional Thanksgiving favorites while sitting around the big table in our country kitchen.

I am tantalized by the fruit and bacon stuffing, though. Someone tell me more about this!

The bacon, streaky and smoked usually, will maintain the birds moisture when wrapped around the outside. It also crisps very nicely and gives the bird's skin an infusion of the salty smokiness.
Fruit in the bird's cavity acts in a couple of ways. The moisture of the fruit helps flavour the bird, but also filling the cavity balances the conductivity of heat throughout the bird, thereby giving a more evenly cooked meat.

The choice of fruit is personal taste, indeed you could use an onion or two if you use a savoury basting butter (see later). In the UK for Christmas, I'd use citrus fruits as they tend to hold together better than soft fruits. You could also 'dot' the fruit with cloves.

On frozen or thaw if not fresh...I'd thaw, then quickly rinse the bird with lukewarm water. This helps seperate the skin from the meat. Pierce the skin in places and introduce butter to the space between skin and meat, then wrap with bacon. If you want to get fancy, flavour the butter with garlic or sage first. The sage and the onion in the cavity are a very complimentary blend.

I have heard that folk over here deep fry their turkey...what's that like, fried chicken?

[John Brase]

I am, according to long-standing tradition, required to spend the day at the in-laws.

They all worship at the church of Rush Limbaugh.

It is excruciating.

John

[sachiwilson]

I'm all by myself this year so I'll probably work on a brief.

[lamble]

I'm all by myself this year so I'll probably work on a brief.

I'm tempted to invite you up to Seattle and you can join in not celebrating with us. Perhaps a cryptic lesson?

[sachiwilson]

I'm tempted to invite you up to Seattle and you can join in not celebrating with us. Perhaps a cryptic lesson?


How about the following week? I'll be up visiting fambly (plus the WetLeather contingent) from the 30th through 2nd. I'll be spending time with my kids mostly but I may have some free time.

[lamble]

How about the following week? I'll be up visiting fambly (plus the WetLeather contingent) from the 30th through 2nd. I'll be spending time with my kids mostly but I may have some free time.

As much as that would be enjoyable, I'll be somewhat incapasitated as on 30th Nov I'm having a gum graft, the result of a fractured tooth and ripped gum from a set of shagged out front forks and a chinese pothole...not my bike by the way.

So, I'd be happy to dribble at you, but have been warned that any exertion could increase blood pressure and blow the graft off...which sounds delightful doesn't it.

Perhaps next time, when I can chew food as well as chew over cryptic techniques.

[sachiwilson]

Oh dear!

Well, I do get up to Seattle every so often, so we'll have a rain check. (Probably quite literally, given Seattle.)

[rkasal]

What are you planning for Thursday?

Turkey at brother Brad's with another brother and his fiance coming. A lady friend who helped Brad in recovery is coming from Ohio. A lady friend of mine is coming with me. Some other people and friends and probably our aunt and cousin, too.

Another brother and mom are heading to Ft. Bragg area to be with yet another brother and his family.

But no matter the weather - short of ice, sometime during the day, I'll be out on two wheels!

Regards,


Randy Kasal

[SNC1923]

I am, according to long-standing tradition, required to spend the day at the in-laws.

They all worship at the church of Rush Limbaugh.

It is excruciating.

John

Oh, dear. I'll be thinking of you. I hope they don't live in a two-story house.

Perhaps you would like my mobile phone number? You may need someone to talk you down.

[Rapid_Roy]

On the plus side, plenty of hot air. :thumb

[wilcox]

We are in the middle of the Frozen bird thaw. One day in the fridge for each 5 lbs, hmmm, we're half way there with our 20 lb Tom. We will head out of the City, down into the hills and share a feast with our family at the river cottage.
Dad and sis will contribute their specialty sides of lima beans, waldorf salad and yams w marshmellow. The Mrs already has pecan and pumpkin pies baked. Before and after, the Yamaha 125 has some work to do in the woods. With so much to give thanks for, we must spend the entire weekend at it!

[sgtboring]

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_8389,00.html

I have decided that we will cook 3 turkeys on Thursday(I hope the wife lets me!

One will be Deep Fried

One will be Grilled (See above link!)

One will Roasted (old school)

Garlic Smashed potatoes

baked milk day old bread, butter and herb stuffing

Marshmallow & Bourbon (Makers Mark 100 Proof) Sweat potatoes

White and Red Wines

Iced Cranberry and Vodka Slushies

Genny Cream Ale Beer

Green-Bay! Victory Bean Casserole

Detroit gets smoked! maple squash

Homemade Tasty Cakes, Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin, Pies, Ice cream

Lashes of Hot Coffee and a verity of Teas

Dinner will be served at 13:00.

Touch Football will start at 2:00 PM

Turkey, stuffing, cranberry, Bacon subs will be served at 17:00:brad

[RebeccaV]

Wow!! That sounds fantastic!!

All we need is your address. :)

[Rapid_Roy]

That does sound great! Everything except the sweat potatoes.
They sound kind of salty. :stick

[sgtboring]

I purchased a Turkey Frying Rig From Bass Pro. I have built my Alton Brown Turkey Derrick ( I fantastic contraption using a ladder, some pulleys, a carabiner clip and 30' of cotton rope) :thumb

http://www.altonbrown.com/

I am also doing a traditional turkey in case the fire department decides to stop by for turkey. :dance

I should have enough food to feed a pocket sized Battalion. If anyone does not have a place to eat and hang out on Thursday afternoon just let me know! We would love to serve you. :)

Like I said We should have loads of food!

[The_Veg]

Since I don't follow Football, the concept of Target Shooting, Bourbon and Pie sounds like a great time.

Come on down!

[tessler]

Turkey, stuffing, cranberry, Bacon subs will be served at 17:00 Those subs sound awesome, Mike. Up this way we do the parade in the morning, cooking in the afternoon, dinner at 17:00 and a Dagwood sandwich @ 23:00 ...

Come on down!Haveta take a raincheck, Ben, but I can arrive any other time with my rifle, some pie and a bottle of Distiller's Masterpiece. :)

[The_Veg]

Sounds like a plan!

[Pat Carol]

I have to work a 24 hour shift on Thanksgiving. I am smoking a 24 pound turkey and invited all the State Troopers and Shefiff Deputies working the road to the fire station for a nice Thanksgiving meal.
Yes! there is an alterior motive involved. This is a pay back for all the times they have let me go when I have that seizure activity in my right wrist and hand while riding my 1100rs. I must give THANKS!

Pat Carol

[clowry]

With all this talk about turkeys, we've decided we can't wait til Christmas for another one. We'll be cooking one up on the barbeque rotisserie, in honour of our American friends, complete with mashed potatoes, stuffing, homemade cranberry relish et al.

[sgtboring]

So now that it is over; how did it go?

My first fried turkey was a flippin success! The meat was so tender and moist and the flavor from the salt brine and brown sugar was fantastic!!!!!!

We had loads of happy well fed folks stop by and they all made it home safely.

;)

[Rapid_Roy]

Ours went great, I fixed Dad's computer and had a great meal, and the wife and kids were happy.