I know Deb has a thread about Thanksgiving plans, but my wife and I had the turkey discussion yesterday and that got me wondering what the rest of you do regarding the main course on Thanksgiving day. Please tell us what will be on your table.

 

My something else this year will be a chicken roulade with cranberry and sage stuffing. For many years it was go somewhere else, so I have hardly ever cooked a complete Thanksgiving dinner. This time I am, since the +1's son will be with us and my mother has opted out.

 

Sounds good, Deb. Good luck in the kitchen!

 

We'll brine ours on Wednesday. Everything's pretty traditional right down to the giblet gravy and cranberry sauce. Pumpkin pie for dessert. Then an afternoon nap.

fltsfshr

 

Going to smoke a 20 pounder. Using Mesquite, pear, and apple wood. Also injected (non-steroidal ingredients) with Cajun spice and lots of butter

 

Traditional turkey (fresh or is it frozen? /> from Rick's employer)and GASP stuffing out of a box prepared out of the turkey. I got grossed out by "in the bird" stuffing a few years ago.

We have the mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots and turnip mix (New England tradition) niblet corn (for the grandson) broccoli, and the usual rolls, pickles, cranberry sauce.

We have done our best to simplify the meal, much of it is cooked the night before by our resident chef.

Oh and I'm partaking in a new tradition. Thanksgiving AM Zumba class. />

 

We never cook the stuffing inside the bird. Read where it can absorb stuff you really shouldn't be eating.

 

I have never cooked a turkey. When married, my husband used a smoker and poured beer in the chamber instead of water. He also put the stuffing inside the turkey. They were super moist and tasty. He still does it, I'm told. I have no plans to eat turkey this year.

 

Patty, most of us used to stuff the turkey. Over the years, some folks made kitchen errors, such as stuffing the turkey the night before which is a nice way to end up sick. While I never did that, along the way I just decided I didn't care to stuff the turkey or eat the stuffing that had been cooked "in the bird."

The turkey dinner is a LOT of work. Lots of prepping and cooking for twenty minutes of eating. The hardest part is staying organized, making sure all the food is HOT when served. I hate cold food. Rick's taken over most of the cooking, which I don't mind at all.

 

Patty, not even a turkey sandwich?

Lainey, I have a mixed group at my house. My brother, son and I like stuffing in the bird. Almost everyone else does not!!!