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Today's Poll: Turkey or Ham for Thanksgiving?

By Howard B. Owens
Rich Richmond

We’re doing one turkey in the oven and attempting our first deep fried turkey in the driveway. It’s my grandson’s first Thanksgiving; Graydon Charles is five months old and a blessing from God. He’s also our first grandchild.

If anyone has done deep fried turkey before I’d appreciate any tips and suggestions. Other than that; a Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Nov 26, 2014, 10:36am Permalink
Jack Dorf

Put the Turkey in the fryer then fill with water to get the correct amount of oil level. You only need an inch or so above turkey. 3 1/2 minutes per pound and maintain 350 F. Make sure all water is removed on turkey. Bon appetit'

Nov 26, 2014, 11:40am Permalink
C. M. Barons

May want to edit this for clarity... I believe you mean fill with OIL. Presents a quandary: "fill with water;" "Make sure all water is removed from turkey." Don't mix water and oil in a deep frier unless you want a spectacle instead of dinner.

Nov 26, 2014, 12:27pm Permalink
Jack Dorf

No, water is correct. You use water with your turkey a day or so before you cook it to get the displacement height for the oil with that specific weight Turkey. This way your not making a mess if its your "first" time deep frying one. I believe I saw this method on a safety video.

The other thing I forgot to mention is to turn off the burner when you set the turkey into the oil. Then re-light after there is no risk of oil splashing around.

Regardless whether you do this or not you always pat the turkey down inside and out to make sure there is no water, besides the turkey enjoys it.

Nov 26, 2014, 1:07pm Permalink
Rich Richmond

Thanks for the tips so far; does anyone have a particular Thanksgiving Tradition or dessert. Beside the traditional pumpkin pie, my wife Cindy does a no-bake cheese cake with sour cream, cream cheese cool whip, powdered sugar, vanilla and graham cracker crust. I like cherry or blue berry toppings.

Nov 26, 2014, 1:37pm Permalink
Julie Morales

Deep frying a turkey is a measurement of “manliness?” Conquering the frozen bird torso, ha ha.

Yes, better remove flammable accelerants from an open flame, good cooking tip. Does turning a house into a raging inferno make one more or less manly?

Just kidding. I know the true measure of manliness is how fast and loud you can start snoring in front of a football game while the ladies clean up after you. Ah, tradition.

Nov 26, 2014, 2:19pm Permalink
Raymond Richardson

"does anyone have a particular Thanksgiving Tradition or dessert"

My family's tradition for Thanksgiving is my Great Grandmother's recipe for cranberry salad.

Gramma Stull's Cranberry Salad

Ingredients

2 Cups Cranberries
1 1/4 Cup Water
1 Cup Sugar or Splenda
1 Pckg. Cherry Jell-O - 8 oz. - can use sugar free
3/4 Cup Diced Celery
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
1/4 tsp. Salt

Directions

• Cook cranberries in water.
• When soft, add sugar(or Splenda), cook for 5 minutes.
• Pour over Jell-O, and stir until dissolved (about 5 minutes).
• Chill until thickened(about 45 minutes to an hour), but not set.
• Add celery, walnuts and salt.
• Pour into mold and chill until firm (overnight is best).

Garnish with whipped topping or salad dressing.

Nov 27, 2014, 8:00am Permalink

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