I’m scurred.
Because for some reason I had a temporary lapse in sanity and offered to host Thanksgiving.
For my future in-laws.
<— Have you seen my turkeys?
Those are cupcakes* . I know it’s a little hard to tell exactly what they are. And yes, their tail feathers were put in upside down.
I probably have no business trying to cook the real thing.
Well, to be fair, I had never made cupcakes – any kind of cupcake – before.
Oh crap. I’ve never been in charge of making a turkey before either.
I’m so in over my head.
Is Papa Johns open on Thanksgiving?
*Disclaimer – the turkey cupcake recipe is posted on a Web site owned and operated by my employer. The recipe was provided by a client of my employer. This post is not in any way endorsed or sponsored by my employer. The cupcakes were just too cute not to attempt. Just don’t put the candy corns in upside down and get an icing tube applicator for the eyes so they don’t turn out so cattywompus.
Love the cupcakes. Cattywompus eyes and all. I think all the kids would love making these over the T-break. Where can I get the recipe?
Oh, I’ve been making the same turkey since the beginning of time. It’s from the Silver Palate cookbook. Works like a charm. Another hint for a first-timer is to use a turkey bag. Keeps it nice and moist and you don’t have to do a darn thing.
Good luck!
Kris,
Thanks for the advice about the bag…I’ve wondered how that works.
Here is the link to the cupcakes! http://www.culinary.net/recipes/RecipeDetail.aspx?ID=5597&CourseName=Holiday%20Treats&CourseID=25
You’ll be fine. Buy a turkey – about 1.5 lb per person is a good guide for how big a bird you’ll need. If you buy frozen, just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator early…12 pound bird needs about 3-4 full days in the refrigerator (and you may want to add one day on to that just to be safe). Find a basic turkey recipe. Recruit a friend/boyfriend/fiancee (congrats, by the way) to help with getting all the stuff out of the turkey (which only takes a few seconds with help…I find this part to be the only really intimidating part). Roast the turkey. Get relatives to bring sides or buy sides. I have a very critical mom-in-law and hosted our first year married and it went just fine.
Here’s one I like (and I don’t even bother with the veggies in the bottom of the pan): http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/classic-roast-turkey-10000001687176/
Final turkey tips –
1) Buy a roasting pan with a rack if you don’t have one. You can find a basic, no fuss one at any big box store for under $40, easily.
2) The best way I’ve found to take a turkey out of the pan is to use two big mitten pot holders (though plain old square ones work in a pinch). Make sure they’re thick pot holders so you don’t burn your hands and just lift that bird up with your covered hands. Quick, cheap, easy – no special equipment needed.
3) You’re doing everyone a favor by hosting, so relax and realize that it’s just one meal on one day and it will be fine.
This is great info. I think my future-mother-in-law is bringing the roasting pan so I’ll see if it has a rack. Yes, I’m making everyone bring something – even Grandma!
is that delicious?
I hope so. .
Is that chocolate for this turkey cupcake?
Yes, the icing was chocolate.
Great advice!
The really good thing about Turkey
Is it rhymes with your name, Quirky
Skip the Julia Child advice
Tail bits backwards add some spice!
As for cooking, do not pout
Buy a bird where part pops out
When the turkey cooking’s done
Perfect feast, for everyone.
So, dear girl, the pop-up timer –
From your friendly blogging rhymer:
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/pop-up-timer.htm
Big Little Wolf –
I would love it if you wrote me poems every day. This was fantastic.
Those are super cute! Fun idea.
I love those cupcakes and you can tell EXACTLY what they are. You humble gal, you! 🙂
http://www.theprettyproject.com
Those turkeys are too cute! I noticed nothing wrong with the eyes — big eyes are cuter than small eyes anyway.
And, um, er, how do you know the tail feathers are upside-down?
Jane, who apparently has never closely observed turkey tail feathers.
Well, I knew they were upside down by looking at the correct picture on culinary.net. I guess it’s a matter of perspective. 🙂
And no, I certainly haven’t been that up close & personal with any turkeys. I hear they are mean! Gobble gobble!
It’s going to turn out great! Your future in-laws are probably the nicest people in the entire world. If you haven’t already, solicit FMIL’s advice/assistance with the turkey if you think it’ll make you less nervous. When in doubt, keep it simple, and really good gravy covers any blunders nicely.
BTW – your blog is great.
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