How to Scare Your In Laws on Thanksgiving
Three years ago my husband and I hosted our first Thanksgiving. We had his entire family over; parents, grandparents, brother and his family. Now, I LOVE cooking, especially experimenting with recipes, so found the prospect of making the turkey to be really exciting. I got buy-in ahead of time to try a new turkey recipe. One that brined overnight, took a mere two hours of cook time because you start with a scorching hot temp of 500 degrees, and, unbeknownst to us, filled the entire house with smoke.
We were frantically opening windows and cranking fans to keep the fire alarms from going off, which, of course, is exactly when everyone showed up. I can still picture it: family members standing in our doorway, Tupperware full of cranberries, stuffing, and jello salad in tow. Their faces changing from excited to scared as they realize where the smoke is coming from, probably thinking about where we could find a prepared turkey last minute.
But miracle of all miracles, the turkey turned out to be delicious, the most delicious turkey we’d ever had, moist and flavorful. It’s now our go-to turkey recipe for Thanksgiving, and every year I reminisce about that first time making it, and how brave and trusting my family was for trying it. For the record, I’ve seen this turkey cooked in three different ovens and every single time it floods the house with smoke, and turns out equally tasty.
In case you’re curious, the recipe we use is Alton Brown’s turkey from The Food Network.
Here’s to a great holiday all about eating good food, watching football, and giving thanks for wonderful family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!
What I’m reading: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (book club pick! So far it’s exceeding my expectations, pardon the pun)
What I’m listening to: Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
We still tell that story every year. It makes us laugh every time. Is truly the best turkey ever! So thankful you chose our family to be a part of.
LOL. I’m so grateful that turkey worked out!! What I didn’t add is that I always add a stalk of celery and apple per family tradition, so maybe that’s why it turns out so good 🙂 I’m so lucky to be a part of such a loving family!
Great story! It must of been that extra smoky flavor that made the turkey taste so delicious!
LOL! Definitely. It helps make the skin nice and crispy too 🙂
The absolute best bird I have ever had. I am not a fan of the white meat on a turkey, but with this recipe the white meat is worth fighting for, once you get through the smoke. LOL!
Glad you like it so much! It’s all in the ‘Turkey Triangle’, that helmet-like piece of foil on top of the turkey for the last part of cooking. Great for getting excited for football, and for the turkey!