Countdown To Thanksgiving: 30 Tips For Your Best Thanksgiving Ever

In 2013, I posted this series of Thanksgiving tips & tricks on the TVWB Facebook and Twitter pages. If you’re not following TVWB on social media, I hope you will! Here are the links:

28 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Use a good, sharp carving knife. It’s safer to cut with a sharp knife than a dull one, and your slices will look better, too. Or, dig out that electric carving knife from the back of the kitchen cabinet. They do a great job of evenly slicing turkey breast. And brush-up on your kitchen knife safety skills with this helpful PDF: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/51/knife-safety-tips.html

27 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

You never want to grill or barbecue your FIRST turkey on Thanksgiving Day in front of family & friends. Talk about PRESSURE! Instead, buy a practice turkey for an early test run. You can eat some now and freeze the rest for later. https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey-selection-preparation

26 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

This is probably the easiest and most foolproof way to cook a turkey in the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Best of all, it requires no attention to the cooker’s temperature. https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/whole-turkey-self-basting

25 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

What would Thanksgiving be without mashed potatoes? Here are 5 ways to upgrade your mashed potatoes this year. https://tvwbb.com/threads/five-ways-to-upgrade-mashed-potatoes.46090/

24 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

You can’t have turkey and mashers without GRAVY! Here’s a recipe that’s a favorite with TVWBB members. https://tvwbb.com/threads/all-purpose-gravy-from-almost-nothing-cooks-illustrated.15405/

23 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Here’s a great Thanksgiving read…simple, foolproof classic recipes and new takes on old standbys. https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400069912/thevirtualweberb

22 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Why not add spiral-sliced ham to your Thanksgiving menu? It’s simple using the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker! https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/spiral-sliced-ham

21 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Cornbread is a staple on many Thanksgiving tables. Here’s a recipe for one of the best–sour cream cornbread–plus a few more for your consideration. https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/cornbread

20 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

It may not be the best turkey carving video, but it gets the job done, and it’s not overly verbose. In fact, there’s no dialogue at all!

19 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Ever wondered where the tradition of breaking the wishbone comes from? https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/31579/why-do-we-wish-turkeys-wishbone

18 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Apple Brined Turkey…one of our most popular recipes over the years! https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/whole-turkey-apple-brine

17 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Got turkey questions? We’ve got turkey answers! Visit the Turkey Talk forum on The Virtual Weber Bulletin Board! https://tvwbb.com/forums/turkey-talk.81/

16 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Have you tried a butterflied turkey? All you need is a good pair of kitchen shears. https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/butterflied-turkey-salted

15 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Can you brine a turkey that’s already enhanced, like a Butterball? Why yes, you can. Read this testimonial. https://tvwbb.com/threads/breaking-the-brining-rules.31738/

14 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Five delicious recipes for turkey stuffing. https://tvwbb.com/threads/stuffing-for-turkey.25019/

13 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Does tryptophan really make you sleepy—and is turkey to blame? Experts set the record straight. https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-tryptophan#1

12 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

If you only like the white meat, why not barbecue just the white meat? https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey-breast-bone-in

11 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Rinsing a turkey before cooking is no longer recommended. This article from the USDA explains why:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/washing-food-does-it-promote-food

This video from New Mexico State University illustrates what happens when you do.

10 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Award-winning Keri’s Yeast Rolls…heavenly! https://tvwbb.com/threads/keris-yeast-rolls-1st-place-ok-state-fair-2002.26394/

9 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Time to start planning for dessert! How about Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecake? https://tvwbb.com/threads/pumpkin-ginger-cheesecake.9054/

8 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

This recipe goes back 13 years, but it’s a good one! Honey brined and air dried for better skin! https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/whole-turkey-honey-brine

7 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Can a “natural turkey” be injected with salt and spices “to enhance tenderness and juiciness”? Unfortunately, yes. Read this post to learn how to identify turkeys that are not enhanced. https://tvwbb.com/threads/buyer-beware-natural-turkey-may-be-injected.26456/

6 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

If your turkey is still in the freezer and you intend to thaw it in the refrigerator over several days, you need to start thawing it this weekend! https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey-selection-preparation#thawing

5 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Don’t carve the turkey breast on the bone! Remove it whole, then slice across the grain, as described in this article and video. https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey-selection-preparation#carving

4 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Here’s a transcript of the Twitter Turkey Chat with @KevinsBackyard and @VirtualWeber from November 19, 2013. Lots of great questions and answers! https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey-chat-with-tvwb-and-weber-kevin-kolman

3 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

Is pink turkey meat safe to eat? It depends on the internal temp of the meat. Read more… https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey-selection-preparation#pink

2 Days ‘Til Thanksgiving

For juicier meat, allow your cooked turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before carving. https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey-selection-preparation#resting

1 Day ‘Til Thanksgiving

Some final Turkey Day tips! https://tvwbb.com/threads/1-day-til-thanksgiving-final-turkey-tips.47065/

Thanksgiving Day

It’s Thanksgiving Day! Our tip for today: Give thanks for all the good people and good things in your life! Enjoy the turkey, have a slice of pie, and spend some quality time with family and friends!

1 Day After Thanksgiving

Last tip, I promise. Looking for great leftover turkey ideas? Members of The Virtual Weber Bulletin Board have got you covered! https://tvwbb.com/threads/ideas-for-leftovers.47066/

More Turkey Links On TVWB

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