Ambitious Deliciousness – Dont Eat Lazy.

Happy almost Slapsgiving! I hope you have a wonderful time with your loved ones!

About a week ago, Evie sent me a link on Twitter, suggesting that I enter a pie making contest. I told her that I’ve never made pie before and declined, but that got me thinking. Why the heck not? So I decided to make my own crust, but kept the filling part simple by using the recipe on the side of the Libby’s pumpkin can. It can’t get easier than that!

I made a regular sized pie, in addition to using a cupcake pan to make mini pies! It’s not only cute, but it makes for super easy sharing. If you feel brave enough, try this pie dough recipe – it doesn’t require rolling! Or buy the frozen kind and simply make the filling, then bake!

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To say that turkey is an important part of the Thanksgiving meal would be an understatement! I’ve been talking to people this week about their Thanksgiving plans, and the general consensus is that the same relative takes care of the turkey every year. But maybe, for some reason, this year is different and you find yourself overwhelmed by the task. Don’t worry! Even though cooking a turkey can be very time consuming, believe me when I say that anyone can make a good turkey!

It’s become tradition for my small group to get together to enjoy a Thanksgiving potluck meal the week prior to the holiday. Two years ago, I made chicken, and just about a year ago, I roasted my very first turkey. Though I was happy with my turkey last year, I wanted to see if there was an even easier method of cooking it. Turns out, there is!

What method are you using for your turkey this year?

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My chicken soup from last year tasted good but couldn’t figure out why I had a very cloudy broth. Then I learned why!

What I didn’t know a year ago was that keeping the temperature low is the key to producing a good, rich, stock! Boiling is not a good idea, and consistent boiling is even worse!

I found out on Twitter yesterday that Sean of Take Thou Food was making turkey stock as well. His stock was made pre-turkey day, while mine was with leftovers. We both agree that if you’re going to make turkey, please make your own gravy, as it is just one extra step after all of your hard work.

Just in case you’re wondering, stock is usually made with meats and bones, while broth is usually made with just the meat. The bones have a lot of natural gelatin in them so they give stock a richer feel and more body.

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As many of you know, I made my very first Thanksgiving turkey this past weekend! And because I’m so nice, I will impart on you the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained from this experience. =) Remember: there are many different ways to roast a turkey, and it’s really up to you to decide which method you want to go with!

Half-carved turkey for small group potluck dinner

There are so many things to consider when you are roasting a turkey. I’ll break it down into three parts with helpful links:

1. Types of turkeys. Kosher, organic, processed, self-basting, natural – what are the differences? What does it all mean? Real Simple, Bon Appetite, has all the answers you need (I went with a kosher turkey).

2. Brining. What does brining mean, and why should you consider doing it? Martha Stewart has a good brining recipe. Basically, you are adding moisture to the poultry so that it’s nice and juicy once you’re done cooking.(Brining is the best thing that ever happened to chicken and turkey).

3. Basting. I always assumed you’re supposed to baste the turkey. But be careful, as frequent opening and closing of the oven can release a lot of heat. Suggestion – try basting during the last hour of cooking, every twenty minutes. (Note – I did not baste my turkey because I was preoccupied – but it turned out fine).

A word of warning: When the turkey is inserted at a high temperature into the oven, it will get smoky! So just be aware of it during the first 30 minutes of cooking. My apartment smells like turkey even today! (My sincerest apologies to my roommate and anyone else who has come over since Saturday).

Check out this awesomely comprehensive list by Cheap Healthy Good for more information on all recipes Thanksgiving!

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