Have a Successful Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving is upon us once again and thus the preparation for feasting begins!  I remember growing up and going to my grandmother's house each year for Thanksgiving...the smell of the turkey cooking in the oven permeated the entire house with its deliciousness.  Years later, I got involved with the actual making of the Thanksgiving dinner. Here are a few hints I'd like to share to help you have a turkey day that you'll be thankful for...

*Spend the extra money to purchase a fresh, organic turkey - you'll be amazed at the flavor difference! (You'll never go frozen again.)
*Make a compound butter with lots of herbs - cut small slits in the skin of the turkey and place pats of the butter under the skin - rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey - this creates a moist and flavorful bird!
*Skip the boxed Stove Top stuffing mix and create your own - there are plenty of delicious "dressing" mixes on the Internet.
*Stuff your turkey with aromatics...onions, garlic, lemons, fresh herbs.
*Salt and pepper the inside and outside of your turkey generously - this is a must!
*A fresh, 12 pound turkey should cook in about 2 and 1/2 hours at 350 degrees - no "turkey bags" necessary - just place your prepared turkey on a roasting rack inside of a large roasting pan and let it do its thing!
*The turkey is done when you cut between th leg and the thigh and the juices run clear.
*Once you remove the turkey from the oven, LET IT REST!  Make a tin foil tent over the turkey and allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes.  It won't get cold and the juices will redistribute resulting in a moist and delicious bird.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Next week....Thanksgiving side dish suggestions and a surprise recipe!