How do you like your Turkey?

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

It's that time of year again folks. It's turkey time. Over the past few years we have seen a number of stores begin to offer turkey fryers. Our family has been frying turkey for a long time. I was wondering who else has made the switch from oven roasting to deep frying?

Never heard of it? As I understand it, it began as a Cajun tradition in Louisianna. (according to Dad) Turkeys are fried in peanut oil. In many cases they are infused with a marianade, although it is not required. I can tell you I have found first hand the flavor is better and the bird is juicier, and since you fry them at a high temp, they are not the slightest bit greasy...

Fry or roast? Don't forget to VOTE.... Enjoy!

Beth;)

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

It's almost that time of year again folks...

Beth

[Bob Gates 14]

1 fried.....1 smoked.....the only way to gobble!!

[seymore 90]

Born and raised in Louisiana..... I like it fried and HOT :D

[Grant 500]

I like em both ways, some say deep fried turkeys taste better but to get the taste this Thanksgiving you may risk starting a fire.

Most Americans will cook their turkey the traditional way, in the oven. But about 20 percent say they will fry them this year! Deep frying is the southern secret to turkey success but safety experts warn it could be dangerous.

Take your eye off a turkey in a deep fryer and you could have a huge fire on your hands. Something similar happened to Northbrook firefighter Jeff Harris.

The fire cost Harris $25,000 in damage. Makers say they are designed to be safe.

John McLemore of Masterbuilt Outdoor Products said, “It's no more dangerous to cook with a turkey fryer than it is to cook with oil on your stove.”

At Mike Ditka's Restaurant Executive Chef Tom Kenny uses a professional fryer. He says safety starts with preparation, namely drying the turkey before it hits the fryer.

“Any of the liquid when you drop it inside the deep fryer is going to boil and it could boil over and ignite the flames down below,” said Kenny.

Some other rules: Keep it on a flat surface so it won't tip. Use the fryer at a safe distance from your house, never in a garage or on a wooden deck.

If you carefully read the directions, follow them closely. Don't put in too much oil. Lower the turkey in slowly take the turkey out slowly. I think you can get a great deep fried turkey in your backyard.

Experts say cooking time is five minutes for every pound. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when it's done. And remember if the turkey fryer does catch fire, don't try to put it out with water. And do not attempt to extinguish it. Call 911 immediately.

[Grant 500]

NFPA And ABA Discourage Use Of Turkey Fryers, Citing Burns, Fires

Quincy, MA - As preparations for Thanksgiving get underway in American homes, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Burn Association (ABA) discourage consumers from using turkey fryers to prepare holiday meals because of the risk of injuries and fires associated with these unique devices.

Tests have shown that many of the fryers have a risk of tipping over, overheating, or spilling hot oil, leading to fires and burns. This deep-frying cooking process requires that up to five gallons of oil be heated to high temperatures before lowering the turkey into the device.

Although frying substantially cuts down on cooking time, and some believe fried turkey tastes better, there are alternatives for consumers using these fryers. If you prefer fried turkey, the organizations urge you to seek out commercial professionals to prepare your entree. Fried turkeys can be ordered from some supermarkets and restaurants during the holiday season.

Consumers may find turkey fryer packaging displaying independent product safety-testing labels. However, in some instances, these certifications do not apply to the entire device, but only to a single component, such as the hose.

NFPA and ABA consider turkey fryers dangerous because:

When the turkey is placed in the hot oil, oil may spill onto the burner, creating a fire.

The units can tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby.

Some units do not have automatic thermostat controls to regulate the temperature of the oil, so oil may heat to the point of boiling over and catching fire.

The sides, lids, and handles can get extremely hot and may cause burns.

"Every holiday season, burn centers in the United States admit and treat people burned while deep frying turkeys," said Dr. David Barillo, a burn surgeon and chair of the ABA Burn Prevention Committee. "In some cases, the burn victims are children who run into the fryers while playing nearby. Splattering can occur when a 20-pound frozen turkey is added to five gallons of boiling oil."

"Turkey fryers are far too risky for consumers," said James M. Shannon, NFPA president. "As safety organizations, we are concerned about the dangers of this product, which is like no other cooking appliance. Gallons of oil heated in excess of 350 degrees Fahrenheit can quickly ignite if something goes wrong, and house and garage fires have been started from using them."

[RyanH 14]

Forget all the hassle,mess, and danger....just go with a Honeybaked ham or other similar product. It will taste better than anyone can make themselves in a kitchen anyway. Just Admit it.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Grant....

But it tastes sooooooo good fried! YUMMMMM!!!!!

Beth

[Grant 500]

Tastes Great, but cook it in your neighbors yard!

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

We have an area of the yard designated for cooking it. (we're safe about it) I love being able to cook a whole turkey in one hour.

Beth

[jsavoy 14]

If you don't get the peanut oil over 360 you should be able to fry about 5 turkey's with the same oil. You can either strain and reuse it. Or do like we do in Louisiana and get 5 of your buddies together and a case (or 2) of beer and make a party out of it! If you really like fried Turkey, then you need to take a vacation to Louisiana and try some of our other foods. We do cook some of the best food you have ever tried. Like shrimp po-boy's and alligator sauce piquant! Maybe some of you on the PWNA board could get the next convention here. New Orleans has a nice convention center by the Riverwalk. And there is a Casino close by! And Burbon street is right around the corner.

[seymore 90]

A-1

That couldn't be more true getting together with a few friends and some cold brews and watch the turkey fry!

You are right having a conventionin N.O would be a good idea! I know that everybody would have a great time.One great food you forgot to mention was the CRAWFISH in La. Everybdy needs to pinch some tails and suck some heads :D

I grew up near Breaux Bridge La. and there is no other place like it for food and a great time.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

I LOVE your logo! Very sharp!

Beth

[jsavoy 14]

Seymore,

Man I do love that Breaux Bridge Crawfish festival! Can't belive I forgot to mention Crawfish. Thank's for the reminder. Also, Beth thanks for the compliment's on the logo. PWNA COME TO NEW ORLEANS NEXT CONVENTION!

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Here's something to make your mouth water....

http://cajunfriedturkey.com//

Count down to Turkey Day!

Beth

[seymore 90]

Oh i forgot to add more favorite for Turkey Day is the great TURDUCKEN!!

It's the best boneless turkey stuffed with a boneless chicken in a boneless duck :D

I don't know how popular it is in the north but down here it's getting very big here :cool:

[Howard 50]

Shane

then you deep fry it?

[seymore 90]

Howard

Nope you Roast it ....it's all boneless except for the wings and the legs of the turkey.

[Mike 64]

Forget all the hassle,mess, and danger....just go with a Honeybaked ham or other similar product. It will taste better than anyone can make themselves in a kitchen anyway. Just Admit it.

Honey Baked Hams are the BEST! :) .....But I prefer Ham for Christmas and eat the traditional Turkey and Stuffing for Thanksgiving. Oh yeah, and lets not forget mom's homemade PECAN PIE! :banana:

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Ok, my turn...

Yep, did the turkey frying thing...

made a mess on the "old" deck

Gotta find another place to do it now, since we have a new deck.

You cant beat the flavor, tenderness and juicyness of a fried turkey!

I was the biggest skeptic but since I had been a cook for so many years and saw some strange was to cook food, I thought "what the heck, its just for this one year and we'll see how well it comes out"

We've been frying it every year since 99'.

Its faster and doesnt take up space in the oven that you need to cook or warm other dishes in. (avg coook time 45-55 min @ 3 min/lb, give 15 minutes to rest and carve)

The trick is to put the bird into the pot and fill with water till it covers the bird. Remove the bird and mark the water level with the clip thermometer then drain the water, being sure the pot is dry. Add the peanut oil to the level indicated and heat to 375degrees (temp will drop when you put the bird in). Before putting the turkey in, make sure the excess water is out of the cavity. This will help minimize the splatter caused by oil and water coming together under high heat. Once the oil is to temp, (wear oven mitts) slowly lower the Unstuffed bird into the pot via the wire rack stand provided with the fryer. Lower it slowly and pause as necessary to avoid the frothy overflow. Proceed to lower the bird in this manner until completely immersed. Check the time and cook until time is up according to the 3lb/min formula. Keep the temp @ 350degrees to ensure uniform cooking and best results.

When time is up, turn off burner and pull the bird out of the oil. Allow excess oil to drain and with the help of another person with a cookie sheet (catches oil drips) place the bird over the sheet and take into the house and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. The bird will be an even reddish brown color and juicy. hint, the leg and thigh quarter areas may have pockets of oil in them. Poke a hole through the skin to drain.

Dont forget the trimmings and lots of love to everyone at your table!

Enjoy

:seeya:

Rod~

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

I love honeybaked hams too! We usually do a standing rib roast at Christmas, and honey baked ham at New Years. I love to have popovers with the rib roast, but they are tricky. Maybe this year we will do the ham at Christmas. Just don't know yet...

Beth

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe in your travels, and enjoy that Turkey - however you prefer to cook it. :meal:

Beth

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

It's that time of year again folks...back up to the top this goes!

Beth

[StainlessDeal 16]

:lgjump: We're gonna roast a butterball, and fry the wild turkey I shot opening weekend. Generally, the guys are for fried wild and the women are for roasted Butterball. I'm guessing that means we all get the best of both worlds!

[Celeste 341]

Deep Fried on a mountain top! Can't wait until Thanksgiving vacation this year :)

Celeste

[steve r 14]

i also like my turkeys smoked on the BIG GREEN EGG.