There’s More than One Way to Skin a Turkey

By Laurie • Nov 23rd, 2008 • Category: Today's Kitchen

The saying goes… “there’s more than one way to skin a cat.”, in our case we are talking turkey! This includes preparing the Thanksgiving turkey. We all know the familiar taste of a slow roasted turkey from the oven. Looking to change it up this year and deviate from the norm? Then read on for some alternatives that while are not the norm for turkey day, will still delight your taste buds.

What about BBQ Turkey? We put everything else on the grill, why not a turkey too? Grilling a turkey gives it a unique flavor and texture much like chicken that has been grilled to perfection for a family outing. The difference is that here we are grilling an entire turkey at once. Instead of putting the turkey on the grill slats, it is placed in a baking pan over the flames. This way, the turkey can be basted and seasoned prior to and during the cooking process. As the turkey nears doneness, add your favorite sauce to it for an extra kick.

Deep Fried Turkey – In recent years this has become a popular way to prepare the Thanksgiving turkey. I don’t know who thought of it, but let me tell you I’m glad they did. A deep fried turkey is delicious. Just remember to follow the fryer directions to avoid any serious injuries that will spoil your festivities.

Many people think there is not a pan big enough to fry an entire turkey and up until several years ago, they were right. Not that long ago we started to see turkey fryers everywhere. Using peanut oil in a large frying pot, once the oil reaches a certain temperature, a clean and dry turkey is slowly lowered into it. The turkey can be seasoned beforehand or injected with a marinade to seal in flavor. It takes at least an hour to cook a turkey thoroughly. Depending on your marinade on the outside, the skin will be crispy and dark, but don’t worry. That crunchy and tasty skin hides the most tender, perfectly cooked meat beneath.

Turducken – A tur-what-in?? It sounds like something that rises out of the graveyard on Halloween night. Actually it is a combination of various boneless fowl: turkey, duck, and chicken. They are all put together and layered with stuffing to create this newest addition to the Thanksgiving table. The turducken looks like a turkey on the outside, but all you have to do is cut into it to see that it is anything but. Those who have tried them, say that turduckens taste great. Me…. I’m going to stick with my turkey.

Smoked Turkey – If you want a turkey fresh off the coals, try a smoker to cook your turkey this year. The bird is cleaned and seasoned. It can then be injected with a marinade if the cook so chooses. Once the coals have burned hot and come to a temperature that is not so hot it will burn the outside skin, place the turkey on the smoker. It will take several hours for this turkey to cook, but placing a pan of water on the smoker will help hold in moisture and create a juicy yet well smoked turkey for everyone to enjoy.

How will you prepare your Thanksgiving Day feast this year? Why not step out of your comfort zone, and try something new. Go with one of the options above or better yet, create a combination of more than one or come up with an original idea of your own. You’re dinner guests are sure to be pleased with the results. You might even have more room in your oven for all the other dishes for a change.