Okay. Before you read this, go to yesterday’s post and vote in my poll. America needs your vote. Do it now.
Done? You may now proceed to today’s post. Thank you.
Day one of extended stay-cation. Menu is planned, turkey is ordered, trip to store is in order.
Wait. Turkey is ORDERED? [Insert SCREECHING HALT here.]
Yes. That’s what I said. Ordered.
I finally broke down and did what I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I ordered a Cajun deep-fried turkey for this year.
I have roasted the bird every year since I got married. I have inhaled the heady aroma all morning, basted it hourly, inserted the thermometer (because I don’t trust the pop-out timer) and consulted it carefully.
But not this year.
Because have you EVER tasted fried turkey?
Before you go screaming and yelling about fat grams and calories, stop and listen to me. There’s a two-gram difference in the fat content between the same portion of fried turkey and roast turkey. Cooked correctly – at a very high temperature – the fat is not allowed to permeate the meat to that great of an extent. (Besides, really, when you are slathering everything else with gravy and whipped cream, what’s a couple of extra fat grams?)
More importantly, cooked correctly, you’ve really never tasted anything like it. The meat is juicy, because the high temperature seals the juices in. Cajun seasoning is injected throughout the meat, and the result is pure heaven. The skin is crispy, not rubbery, and the taste is, well, divine. And no worries about undercooked meat here. (If you’re really interested, read here for details.)
So I did it. And now there will be plenty of room in the oven for the other fixin’s. And I won’t be stressing about whether the turkey is thawed in time. And that’s what it’s all about. Me being able to relax. A bit, anyway.
So that’s that. And I’m relieved.
Now if I can just stop thinking about the fact that there is a turtle cheesecake in my freezer.
November 24, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Um, YUM.
I’ve never cooked a turkey – the main reason being I’m not all that crazy about how other people’s turns out.
But this? This could change the world.
November 24, 2008 at 4:30 pm
My former son-in-law deep-fried turkeys twice, and they were delicious! The bad thing, however, was that he placed the deep-fryer on their driveway, smack in the middle of the children’s play area. We had to worry and watch all morning so that the kids wouldn’t knock it over and get burned. I vote for ordering them, like you!!
November 24, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Heck yeah. It’s the best kind of turkey and now I’m jealous. Wanna know what my husband is asking for? Turducken, of course. Maybe for Christmas. Had it last year.
November 24, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Rock on, sistah. I just went to Heavenly Ham today and picked up our ham and turkey. I’ll do the sides and dessert – no worries, but I am not cooking a bird (and I haven’t ever done it in my 40 years on this mortal coil).
November 24, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I’m in charge of the desserts for Thanksgiving. I am making sour cream apple pie but instead of making crust from scratch I am considering buying a premade one. I just want a break!
So good on you for ordering your turkey!
November 24, 2008 at 11:29 pm
My brother-in-law does these…and I’ve NEVER been disappointed!
November 25, 2008 at 9:26 am
That sounds wonderful….but I’m not sure I’d give up the scent bonus that comes with the roasting bird.
Though if someone could come up with an air freshener that smells like cooking turkey, I’d totally go for the deep-fried thing.
November 25, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Word sister. the only way I’ve ever had turkey on thanksgiving is deep fried. My FIL does it every year- this year, 3 turkeys. 2 for thanksgiving, and 1 for his hunting lease.
I tell you what, frying a turkey takes a 1/4 of the time, too! LOL
Happy thanksgiving, Word nerd!
November 25, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Mmm. I’m packing up my stuff (and, like, seven other Yankees, two dogs and northern side dishes) and heading your way.
I’ll give OUR turkey to the neighbors to cook.
November 28, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I so want to try that sometime. I wonder if I can order one around here. I love Cajun and I love deep fried stuff (bless my artery clogged heart when I’m 80 years old).
We went to my DIL’s mom’s house for Thanksgiving. My oven is still not fixed (grrrrr). It’s weird going to someone else’s house when you’re used to your own way of cooking things. Especially stuffing. Wow- that’s always a hit or miss at other people’s houses.