As the holiday season unfurls its festive charm, our family embarked on a memorable journey to Kansas, trading our usual traditions for a fresh start at my brother Jay’s new home. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of autumn, a delightful change that invigorated everyone. I found myself bundled in every warm garment I owned, even contemplating whether my cozy down comforter might make a surprisingly chic cape – a testament to the unexpectedly chilly Midwestern weather!
The children, however, were absolutely thrilled by the cooler temperatures and the sprawling expanse of Jay’s backyard. It wasn’t just a yard; it was a boundless realm of adventure, a canvas for their imagination to run wild. The joy of being able to chase each other without constraint, with the crisp autumn leaves crunching underfoot, was palpable.
While the sheer size was perfect for endless games of tag and hide-and-seek, there was one minor logistical challenge: the wide-open space offered virtually nowhere to hide! This led to some wonderfully comical moments, with the kids attempting to vanish behind the thinnest trees or the smallest bushes, their giggles giving away their positions.
Despite the lack of secret nooks, their enthusiasm was infectious. Each successful “Gotcha!” was met with shrieks of delight, making the simple act of playing outdoors feel like a grand celebration of family and freedom.
Our host, my brother Jay, is quite the individual. He’s handsome, incredibly intelligent, a dedicated doctor, and, for all you eligible ladies out there, he’s currently single! Beyond his professional prowess, Jay also possesses a surprising culinary flair, a trait we were all about to witness first-hand.
On this particular holiday, Jay was meticulously preparing spaghetti squash, a dish that truly impressed me. How can you not appreciate a man who not only cooks but chooses to make something as delightful and healthy as spaghetti squash for his guests? It’s a testament to his thoughtful nature and sophisticated palate.
Thanksgiving dinner traditions are sacred in our family. For years, my husband has masterfully deep-fried our turkey at home, a method that consistently delivers a succulent bird with gloriously crispy skin – my personal obsession. Since we were celebrating in Kansas this year, I proposed two options to Jay: we could stick to the tried-and-true deep-frying method, guaranteeing a perfect Thanksgiving turkey, or we could venture into the unknown by attempting to smoke a turkey on a grill. This decision set the stage for our main culinary adventure of the day.
Jay, having recently transitioned from his sleek Los Angeles condo to his new Kansas abode, presented a unique challenge. As a bachelor who had spent the last decade in compact, urban living spaces, his outdoor cooking arsenal was, shall we say, minimalist. His only grilling appliance was a mini grill, powered by a propane tank no bigger than a small fire extinguisher. While it might have been perfectly adequate for grilling a single quail, it was certainly not equipped to handle a majestic Thanksgiving turkey.
Given the limitations, I advised Jay to purchase a simple turkey deep fryer. What followed, however, was a classic demonstration of my brother’s penchant for sophisticated gadgets. Jay is not a man of simple appliances. His refrigerator communicates with him, and his coffee machine boasts so many dials and buttons that it resembles an aircraft cockpit instrument panel, a true marvel of modern engineering.
True to form, he acquired one of those infrared no-oil turkey fryer contraptions. My skepticism was immediate and profound. An appliance named “The Big Easy” that promised a no-oil turkey seemed almost too good to be true, especially for someone like me whose ultimate Thanksgiving goal is the coveted CRISPY SKIN. I honestly cared less about the meat’s tenderness; my focus was singular: the satisfying crunch and rich flavor of that golden-brown skin. I secretly wished he had just opted for the large vat of oil, the traditional deep-frying route, which I knew would deliver the desired crispiness.
The entire morning and afternoon, my mind was consumed by this unconventional turkey cooker and the dread of a potentially skinless-crispy-less turkey. This preoccupation led to an unfortunate accident: I managed to cut my finger quite deeply. But amidst the chaos, a wave of relief washed over me. After all, my brother is a first-class doctor, a double major, and a past cardiology fellow. Surely, his fancy at-home medical kit would be more than capable of addressing this minor mishap.
Dr. Jay. YOUR FIRST-AID KIT SUCKS DONKEY ASS.
Seriously, this was the sum total of his emergency medical supplies at home. A small, sad collection that hardly befitted a medical professional of his caliber. My husband, Scott, observed the wound and suggested that stitches might be necessary. However, with 14 hungry Thanksgiving guests soon to arrive, and a main course that was still a major question mark, attending to my finger felt like a secondary concern. I opted for a makeshift solution: bandaging the hell out of it and reinforcing it with a generous wrap of Saran Wrap. Dr. Jay, ever the reassuring host, casually mentioned that our dinner guests would include a medical clinic administrator, a family doctor, a surgeon, and an oncologist – a true medical dream team, ready to spring into action if my finger decided to stage a dramatic protest. With that, we pressed onward with dinner preparations, hoping for the best on all fronts.
By 4 PM, the turkey had been nestled within the suspicious infrared contraption for a tense 45 minutes. My anxiety levels were steadily rising as I peered through the viewing window. To my dismay, the turkey looked precisely the same as when it had first emerged from the refrigerator – utterly pale, utterly unroasted.
Another check at the 70-minute mark brought little comfort. The turkey remained stubbornly pale, defying all expectations of a golden, crispy transformation. The clock was ticking, and the prospect of a late, undercooked Thanksgiving dinner loomed large.
At this point, I was undeniably starting to freak out. The air in the kitchen was thick with a mixture of delicious aromas from side dishes, and my growing dread about the main event. What if “The Big Easy” was a big failure?
A final check at 100 minutes, with only 40 minutes left on the clock before our guests were due, confirmed my worst fears. The turkey still looked disconcertingly pale, with only the very tips of the wings showing any signs of browning. The situation was dire.
SHITSHITSHIT!!!!
The sun was beginning its descent, painting the Kansas sky with hues of orange and purple, signaling that guests would be arriving imminently. My thoughts raced, picturing 14 hungry faces and an unroasted turkey. The only silver lining I could grasp onto was that at least the wingtips appeared cooked through. But two meager wingtips divided among 14 famished individuals? The odds of me, with my throbbing, bandaged finger, even getting a bite were virtually non-existent. Overwhelmed by anxiety, I retreated into the kitchen, too scared to look again, mentally preparing for a Thanksgiving disaster.
Forty minutes later, the timer mercifully signaled the end. I watched, heart pounding, as my husband Scott ventured outside to retrieve the turkey. My mind raced, calculating how long it would take to hijack the turkey and shove it into the oven. The stark realization that an oven-roasted turkey served at 11 PM would undoubtedly be a “no-go” quickly settled in. The anticipation was excruciating.
Then, the door swung open, and Scott made his grand re-entrance, presenting… THE TURKEY! A sigh of collective relief, and then a burst of unexpected joy, filled the room. (Side note: for Christmas, I absolutely need to get my brother a MANLY oven mitt. No self-respecting man, especially one operating an infrared turkey fryer, should ever have to wear such a thing. And yes, a proper first aid kit is also at the top of my gift list for him.)
To my absolute astonishment, the turkey was cooked through perfectly. The infrared contraption, “The Big Easy,” had defied all my doubts and delivered a masterpiece. Infrared thingy… I am so incredibly sorry I ever questioned your capabilities. You truly delivered!
And behold! The moment I had been craving all day – the glorious, inviting, CRISPY SKIN! It was golden, crackling, and everything I had dreamed of. My initial skepticism melted away, replaced by pure culinary delight. The no-oil infrared turkey fryer had proven its worth, producing a turkey that was not only thoroughly cooked but also boasted that coveted crispy exterior.
Dinner was, without a doubt, a resounding success. The table buzzed with laughter and conversation as our guests savored the delicious meal. It was only after our plates were cleared and the after-dinner glow had settled that I decided to make my grand presentation. I unveiled my “lame finger” to my personal Thanksgiving medical team – a formidable assembly of four doctors and a medical clinic administrator. They immediately sprang into action, forming a serious huddle around my injured digit. They hovered, examined, consulted, and debated with the utmost gravity. Questions of “stitches?”, “amputation?”, “radiation?”, and even “finger transplant?” were playfully tossed around, turning a minor cut into a comedic medical conference.
After a good 40 minutes of intense discussion and professional deliberation, they all came to a unanimous consensus: I should continue to simply use a band-aid and some ointment. The verdict was clear – it should heal just fine. The irony was not lost on anyone; my brother’s hilariously inadequate first-aid kit was, in the end, all that was truly needed. And then, just for a moment, I was presented with a bill for $827.00 – JUST KIDDING! It was a perfect, humorous end to a perfectly imperfect Thanksgiving celebration, proving that sometimes, the simplest solutions (and the most unexpected cooking gadgets) are all you need.
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Discover Festive Finds: The Martha Stewart Holiday Gift Guide
As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gifts for loved ones can be both a joy and a challenge. We’re thrilled to announce that the much-anticipated Martha Stewart Holiday Gift Guide has just launched! The esteemed team at Martha Stewart Living reached out to me, inviting me to contribute my favorite gift ideas alongside a fantastic group of creative minds and curators. I was honored to be featured alongside renowned platforms such as Etsy, the ever-inspiring Design Mom, the stylish Modern Cat, the chic Black Eiffel, the aesthetically pleasing Desire to Inspire, and the insightful Momologie. Our collective aim was to curate a diverse selection of unique and thoughtful presents that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re searching for something handcrafted, a design-forward piece, or a charming gift for a pet lover, this guide has something special for everyone on your list. Make your holiday shopping effortless and inspiring this year.
Come see our picks and get ready to impress with truly memorable gifts!
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The Day After Good Eats: A Comforting Leftover Recipe
Thanksgiving is a feast, and one of the best parts is often the delicious leftovers. If you’ve diligently saved those turkey bones after carving your holiday bird, you’re in for a treat! Don’t let those flavorful bones go to waste; they are the perfect foundation for a deeply nourishing and incredibly comforting dish. We highly recommend making Turkey Congee (Chinese Rice Porridge). This traditional Asian rice porridge is a fantastic way to transform leftover turkey and its rich broth into a warm, satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and wonderfully flavorful. It’s light, easy on the stomach, and provides a much-needed comforting embrace after the indulgence of Thanksgiving dinner. Congee is not just a meal; it’s a bowl of warmth and goodness, perfect for a cozy post-holiday evening or a chilly morning.