Thanksgiving Cooking Tips from Bon Appétit Experts: Q&A
Summary
In this Q&A, culinary experts Brad Leone and Chris Morocco from Bon Appétit offer invaluable insights into Thanksgiving cooking, including turkey preparation, dessert options, gravy thickening, and more. They also weigh in on various Thanksgiving-related questions, providing thoughtful and humorous responses. Whether you’re an experienced Thanksgiving cook or a first-timer, this conversation is sure to provide helpful tips for your holiday preparations.
Table of Contents
- Dry Brining Turkey
- Mashed Potatoes: Yukon Gold
- High-Temperature Roasting for Brussels Sprouts
- Pie Crusts: Shortening
- Using Celery in Stuffing
- Deep Frying Turkey: Tips and Recommendations
- Resting Turkey for Moisture
- Spatchcocking Turkey
- Pie Weight: Stainless Steel Ball Bearing
- Consistency of Heavy Cream
- Red Savina in Cranberry Raspberry Relish
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Apple vs. Pumpkin Pie
- Benefits of Frozen Turkey
- Preparing Whipped Cream
- Vegan Mashed Potatoes
- Tryptophan-Induced Sleepiness: Myth or Reality?
Introduction
Thanksgiving is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be an overwhelming experience for those tasked with cooking for their loved ones. That’s where the experts from Bon Appétit come in. In this article, we present a Q&A session with Brad Leone and Chris Morocco, where they share their insights, tips, and tricks for making this year’s Thanksgiving dinner a memorable experience.
Q&A
Dry Brining Turkey
Q: What is the benefit of dry brining a turkey instead of wet brining?
A: Dry brining allows the turkey to retain more moisture and acquire a crispy skin, making it a popular alternative to wet brining. It also requires less prep work and is less messy than wet brining.
Mashed Potatoes: Yukon Gold
Q: What type of potatoes should I use for mashed potatoes?
A: We recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes for mashed potatoes since they have a natural buttery flavor, making them ideal for mashing.
High-Temperature Roasting for Brussels Sprouts
Q: How should I cook my Brussels sprouts?
A: We suggest high-temperature roasting for Brussels sprouts for a crispy texture and caramelized flavor.
Pie Crusts: Shortening
Q: What should I use for my pie crusts?
A: We recommend using shortening for your pie crusts. It provides a flakier texture and better flavor than butter.
Using Celery in Stuffing
Q: What vegetables should I use for my stuffing?
A: Celery is an essential ingredient in stuffing since it adds a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Deep Frying Turkey: Tips and Recommendations
Q: What should I keep in mind if I want to deep fry my turkey?
A: Deep frying turkey can be dangerous if not done properly, so we recommend using a quality deep frying kit and following the instructions carefully. Always use caution when working with hot oil.
Resting Turkey for Moisture
Q: How long should I let my turkey rest before carving it?
A: We recommend letting the turkey rest for at least an hour after cooking to help lock in moisture and maintain a juicy texture.
Spatchcocking Turkey
Q: What is spatchcocking, and how can it help with cooking turkey?
A: Spatchcocking involves removing the backbone of the turkey to flatten it, making it cook faster and more evenly.
Pie Weight: Stainless Steel Ball Bearing
Q: What should I use as a pie weight?
A: A stainless steel ball bearing is a great option for a pie weight since it won’t burn and can be reused many times.
Consistency of Heavy Cream
Q: Is there a trick to getting heavy cream to the right consistency?
A: The key to getting the right consistency for heavy cream is to pay attention to the temperature. It should be chilled but not too cold.
Red Savina in Cranberry Raspberry Relish
Q: Can I add spice to my cranberry raspberry relish?
A: Yes, we recommend adding red Savina to cranberry raspberry relish for a spicy kick.
Cornbread Stuffing
Q: Can I use cornbread for stuffing?
A: Yes, cornbread stuffing is a popular alternative to traditional bread stuffing and adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
Apple vs. Pumpkin Pie
Q: Which is better, apple or pumpkin pie?
A: It’s all a matter of personal preference. Both are great options and can be made in various ways, so it’s up to you to choose which one you like best.
Benefits of Frozen Turkey
Q: Is there a benefit to using frozen turkey instead of fresh?
A: Frozen turkey is often less expensive than fresh and can be stored for longer periods, allowing for more flexibility with meal planning.
Preparing Whipped Cream
Q: Can I prepare whipped cream ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare whipped cream ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Q: What’s a good vegan alternative to mashed potatoes?
A: We suggest using cauliflower or sweet potatoes as a vegan alternative to mashed potatoes.
Tryptophan-Induced Sleepiness: Myth or Reality?
Q: Does turkey really make you sleepy due to tryptophan?
A: While turkey does contain tryptophan, the amount is not enough to cause significant drowsiness. The real culprit is consuming large amounts of food, alcohol, and being surrounded by family members for extended periods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thanksgiving cooking can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and guidance, you can make this year’s holiday dinner one to remember. Brad Leone and Chris Morocco from Bon Appétit provide useful and practical advice that ranges from selecting the right ingredients to preparing a delicious turkey. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time cook, these tips are sure to make this year’s Thanksgiving dinner a success.
