Thanksgiving Countdown: Brined or Grilled & Gravy

Hi Friends. Here's my best of taking the turkey to the grill! Hands down- my Apple Brined Roasted Turkey Recipe is an all time winner for a moist and flavorful turkey. I've prepared this recipe on my TV show, on Live with Regis & Kelly, and for my toughest audience, my family. Sure, emails for requests and success stories pour in, but my toughest test was still before me with my family; a group with more food issues and conditions than should ever be under one roof. Somehow, I don't remember my Nana having such a tough group. She cooked. We ate and were happy. 

Need more kitchen? If your oven is all jammed up- take it outdoors and grill-it. Or, make a Thanksgiving turkey challenge. Cook 1 turkey in the oven and 1 on the grill. Yep. Been there, done that. 

Apple Brined Roasted Turkey Recipe

Turkey on The Grill

Savory Herb Gravy

Turkey Carving Tips

What Coming UP Tomorrow: Thanksgiving Turkey Countdown Continue with Sides: Veggies

Rome Italy: Cup of Espresso

A good espresso, or should I say, a great espresso is hard to come by stateside. It's a long way to travel for a cup of espresso or cappuccino, but worth the trip. I suggest you stay for a few days and really enjoy it!

A good cup of espresso should be enjoyed this way; stop and sip from a proper cup. Meaning, the cup is not made of paper, styrofoam or other disposable materials. Then participate in certain social etiquette. Don't drink it in a car or while walking on-the-go. Take a few minutes, sit or stand at the counter at the coffee bar. BTW, in Italy the price of an espresso and cappuccino is fixed no matter where you go- imagine that. You'll save a Euro or so for standing at the counter, but I enjoy to sit and take-in centuries old customs. 

I've decided it's all the circumstances combined that make that cup taste so good; the list is long, so let's just say Romans know how to make a great cup. Everyday, when in Rome, I stop at Gargani's for double espresso and a sfogiatelle, my favorite Italian pastry and savored every moment. Can't wait to return. Tip: The cafe goes from empty to packed in minutes, so don't hesitate, just sit. Then just enjoy the food frenzy; waiters rushing, tables turning and piles of small plates. Anyway, here's where to go- when in Rome: 
R Gargani
Via Lombardia, 15
00187 Roma (Lazio), Italy

images: George Hirsch

Thanksgiving Countdown: Memorable Veggie Sides

Question- is the turkey the hero or are the side dishes? I say- it depends on the what the sides are. First, I promise not to serve up grey string beans and soggy canned corn then expect you to ask for seconds.

There's the trick to my veggie side dish mix that makes them stand out on their own. And, I have taken the stress away. Stop trying to get everything to the table hot. Opt out! That’s right! Don’t serve a complete menu of all hot sides. It can be a little stressful, even for the most experienced chef especially when having your mother-in-law looking over your shoulder thinking out loud- that's not how I do it.

Also, don’t feel compelled to make too many items. Do a few well is better than too many average. Prepare some traditional favorite family sides, then try out a new dish to start your own tradition. 

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Bacon

Garlic Artichokes

Roasted Root Vegetables

Grilled Asparagus

Fennel & Green Bean Salad

Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta

© Hdconnelly | Dreamstime.com

What's Coming Up Monday: Thanksgiving Turkey Countdown Continues with More Sides: Potatoes, Stuffings & Dressings

Yellow Food

I am continuing with this week's theme of color and food. Today's color is yellow, which brings a few of my favorite ingredients to mind. And what better way to prepare your yellow dish than with a pot that is versatile from stovetop-to-oven and even to-the-grill - like this cast iron yellow pot from Le Creuset. 

Yellow is the color of sunshine and symbolizes energy. It is as inviting as a warm, sunny day. Yellow can also be perceived as cheerful, mellow, and soft to the touch. It is the color of ideas and dreams and stimulates creativity and confidence. It is an attention getter and the most visible color of all the colors. Use it in small amount. Yellow is like sunlight: you want it to be there to feel good, but you don’t want it to be “in your eye”. Le Creuset on Dijon.

For today's yellow food recipe.

Three Generations of Shortbread

The Heritage Shortbread story is heart warming and so are their all natural sweet biscuits. Willow McGrain's South Carolina Lowcountry kitchen is where each and every buttery-rich shortbreads are baked from. The century old shortbread recipe was never written down- I'd say, the best kept family secret from Willow's Scottish origin. I wonder if Willow's great-great-grandmother imagined her holiday baking tradition would become a holiday shopping demand around the country? You can get them or send them.