Thanksgiving Cooking Tips: From Smoked Turkeys to Perfect Gravy

Summary

In this article, we will be discussing various tips and tricks for cooking the perfect Thanksgiving meal. From smoking turkeys to making chocolate cake, using alternative dairy products for vegan mashed potatoes, and making crispy potatoes instead. We will also be discussing the importance of creating a roux or cornstarch slurry to thicken gravy without causing clumps or uneven distribution. Additionally, we will touch on the divisive topic of cornbread stuffing, making whipped cream, and using maple syrup as a glaze for carrots.

Smoking Turkeys and Dry Brining
Vegan Mashed Potatoes and Crispy Potatoes
Creating the Perfect Gravy
Cornbread Stuffing and Cranberry Raspberry Relish
Making Whipped Cream and Maple Glazed Carrots
Conclusion

Smoking Turkeys and Dry Brining

To add more flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey, we suggest smoking it. Smoking the turkey will give it a rich, smoky flavor that will be a hit with your guests. We also recommend dry brining the turkey for a day or two before cooking it. This process involves rubbing the turkey with salt and letting it rest in the refrigerator. This will help the turkey retain moisture and flavor during the cooking process.

Vegan Mashed Potatoes and Crispy Potatoes

For vegan mashed potatoes, we suggest using alternative dairy products like almond milk, soy milk, or vegan butter. These products will give your mashed potatoes a creamy texture without the use of dairy. If you want to switch up your potato dish, try making crispy potatoes instead. Simply slice the potatoes thinly, season them with salt and pepper, and bake them until crispy.

Creating the Perfect Gravy

Gravy is an essential part of any Thanksgiving meal, and creating the perfect gravy can be a challenge. To thicken the gravy without causing clumps or uneven distribution, we suggest creating a roux or cornstarch slurry. Both methods require heat activation and should be seasoned to taste. We recommend using unsalted butter for the roux, and a 1:1 ratio of cornstarch and water for the slurry.

Cornbread Stuffing and Cranberry Raspberry Relish

Cornbread stuffing can be a divisive topic, but we believe that the intense flavor of cornbread can be combined with other elements like heat, salt, and aromatics to create a delicious stuffing. If you’re looking to switch up your cranberry sauce, we suggest adding red savin to a cranberry raspberry relish for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Making Whipped Cream and Maple Glazed Carrots

To make whipped cream, we suggest using cold cream, maple syrup, sugar, and salt. Whip the cream until it reaches a soft peak, and avoid trying to achieve stiff peaks. For a unique side dish, try using maple syrup as a glaze for carrots. Simply roast the carrots and drizzle them with maple syrup for a sweet and savory flavor.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious and memorable meal for your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different flavors and techniques. And if you have any more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below!