We have a great Thanksgiving at FARMbloomington Restaurant. But if you want to do it yourself, here are a few tips to cook the perfect turkey at home. FROM CHEF DANIEL ORR, FARMBLOOMINGTON RESTAURANT Thanksgiving Turkey Tips
They say the grass is greener on the other side, but is it real or artificial? There are many things to consider when deciding between natural grass and synthetic turf. While real grass has a lush look and fresh feel, it requires care and attention to keep it looking its best. Artificial turf gives you set-it-and-forget-it ease, but you might miss that authentic touch if you love the smell of freshly mowed blades. COST Artificial turf has a higher upfront cost for installation than sod for natural grasses but will save you money in the long run. Synthetic lawns don’t require water, fertilizers, sprinkler systems, or lawnmowers, so you will spend less on them over the years. If you opt for natural grass, it will be significantly less expensive to start, but you’ll have fees related to its care as long as you have your yard. CARE When you envision your dream lawn, you’re probably imagining natural grass, which has an eye-catching, full look. But natural grass is alive, and it needs food, water, regular mowing, and pest treatment. You will likely need to mow your lawn every week to keep it neat, and if you want it to remain healthy, you might need to install a sprinkler system. Synthetic grass, on the other hand, is popular because it is low maintenance in comparison. Though you won’t need to water it, you will have to occasionally hose it down or vacuum it to keep it from getting dirty. ENVIRONMENT Natural grass can purify the air around you by trapping dust and dirt, capturing carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen. While it can be beneficial for the environment, it also requires quite a bit of water to maintain. Fake grass will help you preserve precious water, but its material can get hot in the summer heat, so you may still have to hose it down at some point. Both options have pros and cons, so when you choose between natural and artificial turf, consider your priorities. Do you want the natural beauty and feel of real grass or the convenience and consistency of turf? THE TURF VS. GRASS SHOWDOWN Lush Lawn or Low Maintenance?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TURKEY Buy a bird that will provide 1 1/2
pounds per person. This gives you plenty of turkey, with enough for leftover sandwiches.
FRESH OR FROZEN? Depending on size, turkeys can take 2–3 days or more to thaw in the refrigerator. I like to remove the bird from the plastic wrap to thaw it quicker. Cover the bird lightly with plastic wrap and plan on 24 hours for every 5 pounds.
WET OR DRY BRINE? Dry brining involves mixing kosher salt and your favorite seasonings, such as sage, garlic, pepper, and chilies. A wet marinade is done by mixing enough water to cover the bird in a large vessel and adding enough salt so it tastes like seawater. Add your other seasonings, like sugar, herbs, bourbon or white wine, garlic, and bay leaves. Both require at least 24–48 hours.
MASSAGE WITH OIL OR BUTTER AND A DRY RUB BEFORE COOKING
If you have wet- brined your bird, remove it from the liquid and dry it well with a
towel. Then, make a mixture of oil or butter and spices and generously apply it to the entire bird.
EVENLY COOKED TURKEY Start your turkey breast-side down for the first three-quarters of the cooking time to allow the dark meat (thighs and legs) to cook faster. Flip the turkey over for the final one-fourth of the cooking time to make the breast golden brown and crisp the skin. Include
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