Duck for Turkey Day

I know this post could have been a bit more helpful if it came before Thanksgiving, but it’s not like most people were going to make duck last Thursday anyway. So let’s just move on, OK? Last year I smoked a turkey for the big day. It was such a success that I was basically [...]

Turkey Soup

Do you ever feel like you should do something productive with your leftover turkey parts?  I have always liked to get as much usage out of a piece of meat as I can, so I was very excited about this recipe when I came across it.  The recipe starts with turkey stock, which is an [...]

Spiced Cranberry Sauce, with Pears

Cranberry and turkey. How classic. How traditional. How expected. How not what I wanted.
I love the idea of a cool, tart cranberry compote (or sauce) to go along with the turkey but I find many versions too sweet or too odd (I’ve seen one with marshmallows!). I feel that a good, tart sauce should cut [...]

Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is just around the bend. Turkey Lovers are looking forward to a feast. Turkey Haters are dreading dry, flavorless turkey.
I used to be a Turkey Hater. Many years ago, my weak attempt at roasting a turkey resulted in an overcooked, dry, tough mess. Since then, I stuck to making hams or side dishes [...]