Talk of the Turkey

I think we all know what this is.  It's the source of angst for anyone Turkey minded on this upcoming Holiday.  Some people fear the Reaper. I fear the Turkey.  Well, that's not entirely true.  I not afraid of the turkey per se, I get anxious over how the turkey is, or is not, going to turn out is what it is. Afterall, it is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving Meal, traditionally.  Not that I'm always so traditional. We have had turkey of course, but roast beef has been served at our house on this date.  Also seafood, casual turkey sandwiches (which technically is still turkey), chicken (a close neighbor, perhaps a cousin) and once, spaghetti. So you see, I'm not a hardcore traditionalist.

Still, this year, I'm in the mood for turkey.  Middle son convinced me to try brining this year.  He talked me through the process and while on the phone, because he is a confident kind of guy, it sounded easypeasy.  Once off the phone, I began to backslide into anxiousness.  So I did what I do, I researched.  I read lots of articles online , one in the newspaper and watched several episodes of Good Eats.  That Alton Brown makes everything amusing :) Still the first time I undertake anything, there is an element of anxiety.

Tim, bless his heart, bought a brining kit for me. Everything I need, except the bird.  Well, and an ice chest.  Somehow when we moved here, we did not bring a cooler. In Colorado we had multiples of them and in our zeal, sold them all at a yard sale. Oh well, off we went to Walmart to purchase anew.  It sits in the second bathroom shower waiting for it's new inhabitant as we speak.

I have now read the instructions on the brine kit multiple times. I have water ready to bring to a boil with the sugar and salt and spices. The brining bag is sitting idle on the countertop. And me?  I'm eating Monkey Bread (recipe was a bonus from middle daughter in law) and typing and contemplating what I am about to embark upon.  This could be epic.  Not like walking on the moon. That's big E epic.  This is little e epic.  It could be that I will never make a turkey any other way because this is the most amazing thing ever.  It could be that I screw it up royally and vow to never brine anything again. It could be that I just swear off turkey altogether!  Who knows? 

Kind of exciting!

Once this turkey is properly tucked into it's temporary briney home, I embark upon the making of pies, an undertaking that is far more in my comfort zone. So let us away to the brine and the fowl while I'm feeling courageous.  Wish me luck and I will wish it right back to you.

However you choose to spend your Thanksgiving, I hope it is exactly what you wish for and a wee bit better than that.

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