Gobble!
Well, we’ve ordered a turkey this year, the first I will ever have cooked in 18 years of marriage. First couple of years we were fed by either my Mum or the MIL. Since then we’ve been studiously not having turkey as a means of fighting back against everything that we find just too stressful and horrible about Christmas. But it never works. Like the poor, Christmas is always with us.
So this year we have caved in and have ordered a bloody great free range organic gobbler, which I’m going to have to cook. All tips and suggestions gratefully received.
Post mortem
Organising the meal (so that everything is ready and hot at the same time) - 9/10
Knowing where butchers put turkey giblets - 0/10
Properly cooked turkey (ie not overcooked but no food poisoning either) - 10/10
Creativity with the veg- 5/10 (nowt wrong with steamed sprouts and carrots)
Crunchiness of roast potatoes - 8/10
Feeding the inevitable vegetarian (cheese sauce to go on her veg) - 6/10
Getting pleasantly sloshed on sherry and champagne while cooking - 10/10 
Ali Said,
December 16, 2005 @ 7:03 pm
Apsolutely no idea. It is an ambition of mine to never have to cook Christmas dinner. I’m doing well so far. Christmas at mam and dad’s again this year. We’ll arrive when I can smell the turkey and we’ll leave just after pudding and before the washing up!
TrevorKane Said,
December 18, 2005 @ 3:00 am
I like to use a baking bag. Follow the directions on it. Cooks in less time than in just a roaster, and is for sure moist. I personally like to make the dressing outside the bird, but if you stuff, stuff lightly. If you don’t think you want to go this route, a basic turkey recipe can be found online at many a site!
TK
Clair Said,
December 19, 2005 @ 11:18 pm
My mum is at my sisters down south this year and my brother gets drunk on Xmas eve and if he does manage to turn up its at 8pm or something. So will be just me and daughter this tear pullijng our crackers and wearing party hats cos hubby doesn’t believe in it all (for obviuos reasons!) and son with ASD doesn’t even realise it’s xmas!
Clair Said,
December 19, 2005 @ 11:18 pm
Apologies for apalling spelling LOL
katie Said,
December 21, 2005 @ 9:36 pm
I always follow Saint Delia to the letter, this makes up for me making up all other cooking as I go along the rest of the year!
Busyknitter Said,
December 21, 2005 @ 11:44 pm
Yes I am also a frequent worshipper at the altar of St. Delia. I always use her Christmas Cake recipe.
But for this particular quest I think I will probably visit the shrine of the Blessed Nigella, who has also never let me down. Last weekend I did her recipe for Ham in Cherry Coke - It was spectacular!
GoAnneGo Said,
December 29, 2005 @ 6:44 pm
Ah, the best turkey you’ll ever have is soooooo easy.
Buy a tub of boursin cheese. Put it under the skin. As in, in between the skin and the meat, all over the top. spread it out so it is evenly covered. Then slice an orange (leave teh peel on) and place slices over the turkey, and any extra in the pan on the bottom.
Roast as per usual minutes per pound. I promise you, people will rave rave rave.
eyeliner Said,
January 20, 2006 @ 3:37 pm
The inevitable vegitarian actually rather enjoyed her cheese sauce, as it happens. :-p