I propose a "HELP!" thread for T day cooking

[Gil Bang 26,000]

Many of us will need to consult the board about one thing or another...why not right here?

I'll start:  I'm eschewing Turkey tomorrow, and doing a rib roast on the smoker instead, for a very small gathering.  I'm planning on baked potatoes, but I really don't know the best method for baked potatoes.  I've got the spuds, and I've got an oven.  Now what?  (The GF does them very well, but she's visiting her mom)

 

Edited November 27, 2019 by Gil Bang

[Anastasis 23,481]

If you want to consider something other than baked: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/12/hasselback-potato-gratin-casserole-holiday-food-lab.html

 

 If going the baked route, rub them in olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. I think the scoop and mash steps should be optional:https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2016/10/ultimate-baked-potato-recipe.html

hat tip on the rib roast. I am pretty much over turkey forever, but I don’t get to control the t day menu when I am not running the kitchen.

[TornACL 7,722]

If you haven't started brining your turkey yet, you're too late and everything is ruined. You might as well order McDonald's for dinner tomorrow. 

[futureman 22,539]

I don’t understand.  is this a thread for wives?

Edited November 28, 2019 by futureman

[Dr Fear 1,268]

If you want to consider something other than baked: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/12/hasselback-potato-gratin-casserole-holiday-food-lab.html
 
 If going the baked route, rub them in olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. I think the scoop and mash steps should be optional:https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2016/10/ultimate-baked-potato-recipe.html
hat tip on the rib roast. I am pretty much over turkey forever, but I don’t get to control the t day menu when I am not running the kitchen.

I've been cooking mine much longer to great results. Fork, oil and salt then directly on the rack in the middle of the oven. 350 for 90 minutes, then kick it up to 425 for 15-30 to partially fry the skin. I also put a sheet of foil about two racks down to catch oil runoff.

[Anastasis 23,481]

I don’t really know the times but am quite dogmatic about the oil and Kosher salt. 

[Wiler77 1,569]

1 hour ago, Anastasis said:

I am pretty much over turkey forever, but I don’t get to control the t day menu when I am not running the kitchen.

I only eat turkey once a year, so I'm definitely not over it.  But I'll say this...I am over the shit birds that most people buy.  The solution-infused Butterball-type that 99% of people buy will never be consumed in my house again.  I am all-in on free-range heritage birds, which are a completely different experience.  Completely different white/dark meat ratio and totally different flavor.  The artificially inseminated, flightless turkeys most people eat are flavorless and give turkeys a bad name.

[Dr Fear 1,268]

Many of us will need to consult the board about one thing or another...why not right here?
I'll start:  I'm eschewing Turkey tomorrow, and doing a rib roast on the smoker instead, for a very small gathering.  I'm planning on baked potatoes, but I really don't know the best method for baked potatoes.  I've got the spuds, and I've got an oven.  Now what?  (The GF does them very well, but she's visiting her mom)
 

Oh, and dont use a cold pressed (the really nice stuff) olive oil for this, the smoke point is too low.

[Errestaurants 2,570]

I agree with the olive oil and salt method. i do this then wrap in foil and baked at 400 convection for an 1 hour or a little more. taters are typically around 12 ounces. i like to add roasted Hatch peppers to mine. 

[Dr Fear 1,268]

Oh, after you fork, blot with paper towel, then give them maybe 10 min and blot again before the oil, else it won't stick all over. Water and oil ain't friends.

[AustinMT 952]

3 hours ago, futureman said:

I don’t understand.  is this a thread for wives?

Wives aren’t allowed to cook

[AustinMT 952]

3 hours ago, Gil Bang said:

Many of us will need to consult the board about one thing or another...why not right here?

I'll start:  I'm eschewing Turkey tomorrow, and doing a rib roast on the smoker instead, for a very small gathering.  I'm planning on baked potatoes, but I really don't know the best method for baked potatoes.  I've got the spuds, and I've got an oven.  Now what?  (The GF does them very well, but she's visiting her mom)

 

I’m expected to smoke a turkey at Thanksgiving, but do it grudgingly.  Always do rib roast at Christmas 

I second the suggestion of Hasselback potatoes 

 

[RPM 26,342]

It's not complicated

[futureman 22,539]

21 minutes ago, AustinMT said:

Wives aren’t allowed to cook

how progressive.

[conVINCEd 21,469]

What do I do when the turkey hits the stall?

[Both Tacos 1,806]

How long before I put the Turkey into the deep fryer should I take it out of the freezer?

[Dr Fear 1,268]

How long before I put the Turkey into the deep fryer should I take it out of the freezer?

30 min, 25 in a pinch.

[RollLeft 5,045]

1 hour ago, Both Tacos said:

How long before I put the Turkey into the deep fryer should I take it out of the freezer?

Don't wait, straight from freezer to boiling pot.  Also, make sure the oil is above 350 degrees filled to the brim of the pot and and turn the flame up when you drop the turkey in.  Throw in some ice to cool the oil if a flare up occurs.  Oh and best to do this in your garage where the wind is controlled, too much air outside is not recommended. 

Edited November 28, 2019 by RollLeft

[DalTxHornFan 3,116]

46 minutes ago, RollLeft said:

Don't wait, straight from freezer to boiling pot.  Also, make sure the oil is above 350 degrees filled to the brim of the pot and and turn the flame up when you drop the turkey in.  Throw in some ice to cool the oil if a flare up occurs.  Oh and best to do this in your garage where the wind is controlled, too much air outside is not recommended. 

I had no idea that you were running cases for Thomas J. Henr++, San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer.

[Vic Mackey 47,136]

How long does it take to microwave a whole turkey? Thanks.

[spystud13 2,371]

____

Edited November 28, 2019 by spystud13
Wrong damn food thread.

[Underdog 28,767]

14 hours ago, TornACL said:

If you haven't started brining your turkey yet, you're too late and everything is ruined. You might as well order McDonald's for dinner tomorrow. 

No. 

[Underdog 28,767]

10 hours ago, RPM said:

It's not complicated

You can have the Makers. 

[Onboard 2.0 9,083]

10 hours ago, futureman said:

how progressive.

I'd say picky about quality, and taste ,  but we quibble over terms.

 

My wife hates cooking, and is a pain about it. The thing is the few  things she does cook are pretty damned good,  but she cares jack shit about cooking 99.99% of the time.

[Onboard 2.0 9,083]

8 hours ago, RollLeft said:

Don't wait, straight from freezer to boiling pot.  Also, make sure the oil is above 350 degrees filled to the brim of the pot and and turn the flame up when you drop the turkey in.  Throw in some ice to cool the oil if a flare up occurs.  Oh and best to do this in your garage where the wind is controlled, too much air outside is not recommended. 

PRO TIP: Don't forget to set up your video camera for the Youtube hilarity.

[Smax 3,800]

If you dont want to do the loaded baked potato, this is a great alternative. We've made this many times and I actually prefer to the loaded, only difference I do is drizzle a little olive oil on head of garlic before covering with foil.

 

https://www.cooksillustrated.com/videos/2060-salt-baked-potatoes

[Errestaurants 2,570]

15 minutes ago, Onboard 2.0 said:

PRO TIP: Don't forget to set up your video camera for the Youtube hilarity.

 

[dingleberryswitzer 2,724]

8 hours ago, RollLeft said:

Don't wait, straight from freezer to boiling pot.  Also, make sure the oil is above 350 degrees filled to the brim of the pot and and turn the flame up when you drop the turkey in.  Throw in some ice to cool the oil if a flare up occurs.  Oh and best to do this in your garage where the wind is controlled, too much air outside is not recommended. 

Slow down there big boy!!

I got this gobbler running around my back yard.  He doesn't want to go into the oven. Am I supposed to wait until he's asleep to throw him in?

[WhatTheBuck 28,797]

11 hours ago, AustinMT said:

I’m expected to smoke a turkey at Thanksgiving, but do it grudgingly. 

Why do they expect you to do it grudgingly?

[Both Tacos 1,806]

Don't wait, straight from freezer to boiling pot.  Also, make sure the oil is above 350 degrees filled to the brim of the pot and and turn the flame up when you drop the turkey in.  Throw in some ice to cool the oil if a flare up occurs.  Oh and best to do this in your garage where the wind is controlled, too much air outside is not recommended. 

I knew I could count on you guys.

[Redneck Mutha 8,007]

8 hours ago, Vic Mackey said:

How long does it take to microwave a whole turkey? Thanks.

Set it on top of a can of shiner.  Put it in the microwave now with 4 lbs of liquid smoke soaked wood chips, take it out after the cowboys game. Bone aperitif!

[Anastasis 23,481]

Debating whether to break this down into 4/3 or 5/2 for roasting T+1. I am not sure that it will cook evenly as a whole roast. Decisions, decisions.

 

[DalTxHornFan 3,116]

Keep it whole.  Let the heathens eat the outside parts and keep the delicious, lightly cooked center for yourself!

[Surly Bevo 25,141]

How long before I serve it should I put my dick in the mashed potatoes?

[luke duke 6,414]

Debating whether to break this down into 4/3 or 5/2 for roasting T+1. I am not sure that it will cook evenly as a whole roast. Decisions, decisions.

 

 

Reverse sear. Cook at 200 for 4-5hrs until it’s 123-125*. Let it rest while the oven heats up to 550*. Open all the windows, turn on every fan and put it in the oven for 10min.

[DalTxHornFan 3,116]

1 minute ago, luke duke said:

 

Reverse sear. Cook at 200 for 4-5hrs until it’s 123-125*. Let it rest while the oven heats up to 550*. Open all the windows, turn on every fan and put it in the oven for 10min.

Good plan.  My only addition to this advice is to rub it with kosher salt, coarse ground pepper and ground rosemary before beginning the cooking.

[immamac 42,962]

This sounds like it will slam and go hard. 

Threw the spatchcocked bird on the smoker at 10AM 9.8 pounder so not a big bird. Brined overnight in a turkey bath (rosemary sage apple and a few other things) seasoned it under the skin and then wet rub with the remnants of the bath on the outside of the skin with a bit of seasoning. 250 target smoking temp with a mix of oak and pecan.  

[luke duke 6,414]

Good plan.  My only addition to this advice is to rub it with kosher salt, coarse ground pepper and ground rosemary before beginning the cooking.

[AustinMT 952]

3 hours ago, WhatTheBuck said:

Why do they expect you to do it grudgingly?

Because it’s better than curmudgeonly 

[WhatTheBuck 28,797]

5 minutes ago, AustinMT said:

Because it’s better than curmudgeonly 

Whistle while you work just to piss them off. 

[Anastasis 23,481]

1 hour ago, luke duke said:

 

Reverse sear. Cook at 200 for 4-5hrs until it’s 123-125*. Let it rest while the oven heats up to 550*. Open all the windows, turn on every fan and put it in the oven for 10min.

Yep. This is the plan. Will have the searzall for spot browning as needed as well.

[immamac 42,962]

Turned out pretty damned good. Skin didn't crisp as much as I would have liked. Will probably smoke roast next time @ 325 instead

[achooloco 1,083]

Figured this good as good as any. I am not a baker. Today was the first day I have ever baked anything; no joke. But I use my cast iron quite a bit for regular food.  just cooking for me and the gf though. So went  to thanksgiving at Gf’s house this year, decided to do a pizzacookie, chocolate chip. It tastes... ok. Not terrible but not mmmhmmmm either.

I ate a smaLL piece just now and can taste the granulated brown sugar. Least thing it is the brown sugar. I take it when recipes say brown sugar they don’t mean granulated? Honest question, trying to figure out how to make this better. Or at least good for others who aren’t buzzed off 8 hours of drinking...

[Anastasis 23,481]

Just to come full circle. And a midnight snack.

 

 

 

Edited November 30, 2019 by Anastasis

[Dr Fear 1,268]

Just to come full circle. And a my midnight snack.


'

 
 
 

That monster actually fit in the oven? What did you do for the sear?

[Anastasis 23,481]

2 minutes ago, Dr Fear said:

That monster actually fit in the oven? What did you do for the sear?

LOL.  This was an topic of some discussion. It was close, we had a couple inches on both sides.

Finish was in the oven maxed out at 500 degrees, plus some spot work with the searzall.