The air in Kansas has a distinct bite, a crisp chill that invigorates the senses as we gather for our annual Thanksgiving celebration. This year, the festivities unfold at my brother Jay’s brand-new home, a fresh canvas for creating cherished family memories. I found myself bundled in every warm layer I owned, even contemplating whether my trusty down comforter could pass as a stylish, albeit unconventional, cape. The anticipation of a holiday spent with loved ones always brings a unique warmth, even when the thermometer dips low.
For the children, the cool weather was an absolute delight, an invitation to endless adventures in Jay’s sprawling backyard. Its sheer size was a marvel, offering ample space for running, exploring, and engaging in lively games. Laughter echoed through the crisp air as they chased each other, their energy boundless, a stark contrast to the confined spaces of city life many of us are accustomed to.
This expansive outdoor area was perfect for their boisterous games, allowing them to burn off energy and embrace the joy of the season. However, there was one minor drawback for their favorite game: with such an open expanse, there was absolutely nowhere to hide during a game of tag! Their playful cries of “Gotcha!” rang out frequently, as their hiding spots were often too obvious for their quick-eyed pursuers.
Indeed, they were easily discovered, but the fun was in the chase itself, not necessarily the successful concealment.
The heart of any Thanksgiving celebration, beyond the joyful chaos of the children, lies in the kitchen, and Jay, my eligible bachelor brother, was at the helm. He’s not just handsome and a doctor; he’s also an impressive cook, a rare and delightful combination that often surprises those who know him. His culinary skills extend far beyond basic meals, showcasing a genuine passion for creating delicious dishes.
This year, Jay was expertly preparing spaghetti squash, a healthier and incredibly flavorful alternative to traditional pasta. Watching him effortlessly navigate the kitchen, creating something so delightful, truly made me wonder: how can anyone not appreciate a man who cooks spaghetti squash with such finesse? It was a testament to his versatility and commitment to a good meal, making him an even more sought-after individual.
Thanksgiving turkey preparation is a serious business in our family. For years, my husband has mastered the art of deep-frying a turkey at our home, a tradition that guarantees a perfectly moist bird with an irresistibly crispy skin. Given that we were celebrating in Kansas this year, the question arose: how would we cook the star of our Thanksgiving feast? I presented Jay with a choice: stick to the tried-and-true deep-fried method for a guaranteed perfect turkey, or venture into the unknown by experimenting with smoking a turkey in a grill.
Jay, having recently transitioned from his sleek Los Angeles condo to his new Kansas residence, carried with him the habits of a bachelor who had spent a decade in compact, urban living spaces. His outdoor cooking arsenal was, to put it mildly, limited. The only “grill” he possessed was a miniature model, fueled by a propane tank the size of a small fire extinguisher. While it might have been perfectly adequate for grilling a single quail, it was certainly no match for a full-sized Thanksgiving turkey. This posed an immediate challenge to our culinary plans, particularly the idea of smoking a turkey, which requires substantial equipment.
Therefore, I pragmatically suggested that Jay simply acquire a basic turkey deep fryer. It seemed the most straightforward solution to ensure our holiday bird was cooked to perfection. However, “simple” is not a word often associated with my brother’s preferences. Jay is a connoisseur of high-tech gadgets; his refrigerator communicates, and his coffee machine boasts an array of knobs and buttons so complex it resembles an aircraft cockpit instrument panel. He thrives on innovation and advanced technology, even in the kitchen.
True to form, he didn’t opt for the simple deep fryer. Instead, Jay arrived with one of those infrared no-oil turkey fryer contraptions. My skepticism was immediate and profound, especially given the appliance’s rather casual name, “The Big Easy.” I had harbored a strong desire for the classic, large vat of oil because, in my culinary philosophy, the ultimate goal of cooking a Thanksgiving turkey is achieving that glorious, shatteringly crispy skin. The meat, while important, often takes a backseat to the pursuit of that perfect, golden-brown exterior. I crave my crispy skin, and the idea of a “no-oil” fryer felt like a betrayal of this fundamental principle.
All morning and throughout the afternoon, my nerves were frayed, my mind constantly preoccupied with this newfangled turkey cooker and the impending disaster of potentially not achieving the coveted crispy skin. My distraction reached its peak when, in a moment of inattention, I accidentally cut my finger quite deeply while preparing other dishes. But I brushed it off, thinking, “No worries, my brother is a first-class doctor, a double major, and a former cardiology fellow. Surely, he’d be equipped to handle a minor kitchen injury with his sophisticated at-home medical kit.”
Dr. Jay, your first-aid kit is surprisingly ill-equipped!
Seriously, after all his impressive credentials, this minimal collection of bandages and antiseptic was all he had readily available at home. My husband, Scott, took one look at the wound and suggested I might need stitches. However, with the clock ticking and a Thanksgiving dinner for 14 hungry guests rapidly approaching, stitching up a finger seemed a less pressing matter. I opted for a makeshift solution: a generous application of bandages, followed by a secure wrap in saran wrap, ensuring it was protected and held together until after the feast. Jay, ever the reassuring doctor (despite his first-aid kit), then casually mentioned that our dinner guests would include a medical clinic administrator, a family doctor, a surgeon, and an oncologist. So, at least I knew I’d have an expert panel for a later consultation!
Onward with dinner preparations! The turkey, a significant focal point, was placed into the suspicious infrared contraption around 4 PM. After 45 minutes, a peek revealed that it looked precisely the same as when it had been pulled from the refrigerator—pale, uncooked, and utterly unappetizing. My anxiety began to escalate, as the promise of crispy skin seemed further away than ever.
We checked again at the 70-minute mark. Still, the turkey appeared stubbornly pale, exhibiting no signs of the glorious golden-brown transformation I so desperately yearned for. The clock was ticking, and the vision of a perfectly cooked bird with crispy skin was slowly fading, replaced by a growing sense of dread.
By this point, a bit of panic was setting in. The promises of “easy” and “perfect” from the fryer’s marketing were starting to feel like cruel jokes. The prospect of a late, undercooked turkey loomed large, and my earlier optimism had completely evaporated.
Another check at 100 minutes, with only 40 minutes remaining until the supposed completion time, yielded a sight that sent a jolt of despair through me. The turkey was still distressingly pale, with only the very tips of its wings showing any hint of browning. The situation looked dire, and my heart sank.
Oh no, this is not good!
The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the yard, and our guests were due to arrive any moment. My mind raced, trying to formulate a contingency plan. At least the wingtips seemed cooked through, I thought grimly. But two wingtips divided among 14 hungry people meant there was no chance my injured finger and I would even stand a chance in the fight for a bite. Overwhelmed by anxiety, I retreated to the kitchen, too scared to look at the turkey again, dreading the outcome.
Forty minutes later, the designated cooking time was up. I watched nervously as my husband, Scott, headed outside to retrieve the turkey. My mind was in a frenzy, calculating how long it would take if I had to hijack the bird and finish it in the oven. The stark reality quickly set in: serving an oven-roasted turkey at 11 PM was simply not an option for our hungry guests. The air was thick with suspense, and I braced myself for the worst.
Then, the door opened, and Scott re-entered, bearing… THE TURKEY! A wave of relief washed over me. (Side note for future holiday planning: for Christmas, I absolutely must get my brother a truly masculine oven mitt. No self-respecting man should ever have to wear the one he had, especially not when deep-frying infrared’ing a turkey. And yes, a proper first-aid kit is also at the top of my gift list for him.)
To my absolute astonishment and immense relief, the turkey was cooked through perfectly. The infrared contraption… I humbly apologize for ever doubting its capabilities. It delivered a bird that was not only thoroughly cooked but also incredibly appealing to the eye, defying all my initial skepticism and anxiety.
And behold, the crispy skin I had so desperately longed for! It was there, glorious and golden, a testament to the unexpected success of “The Big Easy.” Every doubt I harbored vanished, replaced by pure satisfaction and the anticipation of a delicious meal. This infrared fryer truly earned its place in our Thanksgiving tradition.
Dinner was an unqualified success, a delicious and joyous affair enjoyed by all our guests. Only after the plates were cleared and the last morsel consumed did I finally present my “lame” finger to my personal Thanksgiving medical team, which, conveniently, consisted of four doctors and a medical clinic administrator. They all huddled around, a mini-medical conference unfolding right in the dining room. They examined, consulted, and debated the best course of action—stitches? Amputation? Radiation? Perhaps even a finger transplant, they mused playfully. The discussion went on for a good 40 minutes, a theatrical display of medical deliberation over a simple kitchen cut.
After their thorough consultation, the esteemed panel of medical professionals finally reached a consensus: I should simply continue to use a band-aid and some ointment. Their collective wisdom confirmed that it should heal perfectly fine on its own. The irony was not lost on me; my brother’s woefully inadequate first-aid kit was, in the end, all that was truly needed. And then, as a final comedic flourish, I was presented with a mock bill for $827.00—just kidding, of course! It was a memorable Thanksgiving, filled with laughter, good food, and a medical consultation I won’t soon forget.
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Discover Curated Gifts: Martha Stewart Holiday Gift Guide
The much-anticipated Martha Stewart Holiday Gift Guide has officially launched, just in time for the festive season! I had the distinct pleasure and honor of being invited by the fine people at Martha Stewart to contribute my favorite gift ideas to this esteemed guide. I joined a fantastic lineup of contributors, including experts from Etsy, the renowned Design Mom, the stylish Modern Cat, the creatively curated Black Eiffel, and the inspiring Desire to Inspire and Momologie. This collaboration brought together a diverse range of perspectives, ensuring a rich collection of unique and thoughtful gift recommendations for everyone on your list. Whether you’re seeking handcrafted treasures, design-forward pieces, or simply some holiday inspiration, this guide is a must-see for all your festive shopping needs.
Click here to see our carefully selected picks and discover the perfect presents that will make this holiday season truly special!
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Maximize Your Leftovers: The Day After Good Eats
After the grandeur of Thanksgiving dinner, don’t let those precious turkey bones go to waste! They are the secret ingredient to a delicious and comforting meal the day after. If you’ve diligently saved your turkey carcass, you’re perfectly poised to create a wonderfully nourishing dish. I highly recommend making Turkey Congee, a traditional Chinese Rice Porridge. This versatile and soothing dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also an excellent way to extract every last bit of goodness from your holiday turkey. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a relaxed post-holiday meal, and a fantastic alternative to the usual turkey sandwiches. The slow simmering process infuses the rice with rich turkey broth, creating a creamy, savory porridge that is both satisfying and light. Explore the full recipe and transform your leftovers into a culinary delight.