Good morning readers! Are you all ready for Thanksgiving? We're having my family here this year because Mom finally admitted that it was too much work for her and my step-Dad at their house, so we're all making a few dishes and it will be nice not going anywhere on Thanksgiving for the first time ever!
So I had to find a turkey.
I called the farm where one of our local health food stores was buying from and started by asking the guy if their turkeys were outside. He gave a little chuckle, because obviously commoners such as myself don't know anything about farming, and said, “Oh no, they stay in the barn.” I said, “They're never outside?” He gave another chuckle and said, “No, and that's the best place for them.” I hesitated for a moment, trying to decide if I wanted to go a round or two with this idiot or not, and decided I didn't have the time. Now I kind of wish I had, though.
What would you have said to him?
Thankfully I got the LAST available turkey at a local farm who raise their turkeys outside and feed them organic feed, woo-hoo!
Just in case you need a few Thanksgiving recipe ideas…
- My new friend, John, who I met at the conference last weekend, sent me instructions for how to brine a turkey – I think we're going to do this for the added flavor!
Grain-free pumpkin cream cheese bars or Pumpkin pie ice cream would both make a great turkey-day dessert!
- More side dishes and salad recipes.
Now for today's interesting links…
- Did you see this post that went up late yesterday? They May Be Coming After You Next. I don't normally post on Sundays, so I wanted to make sure you saw it.
- I thought this was a great post idea after last week's conference from Emily, who I was thankful to meet there! Top Ten Tweets from the Wise Traditions Conference.
- Have you heard about Donielle's “Naturally Balanced” 30-day challenge to balance your hormones? Check it out!
- Did you see the new movie on vaccines from last week?
Meagan says
Kelly I would have told him that animals are not meant to live indoors, and I would ask him to explain his comment, like what is his reasoning behind wanting them inside? Then I would ask them about the living conditions of the birds indoor place.
Robin says
Have to admit that I’m getting our turkey cooked from Whole Foods, so not completely sure where it comes from, but is supposed to be organic and “free-range” (whatever that means :-)), but we’ve been in the moving process, and I just don’t have the means to cook a turkey this year.
Also, my dad has been smoking turkeys for years, and after having a smoked turkey, I just can’t reconcile myself to go back to just a roasted bird, so I’m actually pretty excited that Whole Foods has actually got a BBQ department who is smoking turkeys. We can even pick up on Thanksgiving still warm, so I don’t even have to re-heat in the oven!
Seriously, though, if you’ve never tried smoking your turkey, cannot recommend highly enough-the meat just falls apart, so tender, juicy and full of flavor, quite amazing (and we NEVER seem to have enough leftovers when cooking them this way). The only downside would be that you can’t make stock from the carcass, as it doesn’t turn out very good (learned that the hard way once from trying to make stock from a chicken I’d cooked on the grill), but wow, well worth it in my opinion just for the amazing flavors.
Becky D says
I’m going today to pick up my turkey from the farm where I also get my raw milk. Turkey raised right…and I’m so excited. EXCEPT – my husband told me that his Mom had already bought the turkey for Thanksgiving. and ugh…it just couldn’t be any worse – it’s a pre-cooked turkey from Costco. So, I’m sure not only was it conventionally raised, it’s also full of chemicals and preservatives. He told me not to make a fuss, “because it’s only one day”…but I have this beautiful, pastured turkey waiting for me today. It makes me want to cry. I just have to console myself with the fact that we’ll have it at home, and I’ll also be able to make lots of beautiful turkey bone broth too.
KitchenKop says
Becky I feel for you, but your husband is right. Peaceful and happy memories with your family are more important. 🙂
Meagan says
And just eat less turkey at her house 😉
Becky D says
Yes…and really, the turkey is so little of the meal, right? I’m bringing a couple sides, and we’re making pecan pie and homemade ice cream to bring…sooo, dessert will probably be healthier than the main dish! 🙂
Susan says
Becky, you crack me up!! I can so relate to what you are saying: I am so deep into my foodie-ness now that I panick too when I realize I will have to eat something other than what I would have bought/cooked. The last time we went to a BBQ, everything there was made in a factory! Luckily there were so many people there, that no one noticed that I hadn’t eaten. When the hostess asked if I had tried her famous blah-blah, I told her, “yes and it was delicious.”
On the way home my husband told me at some point, while at other people’s home, I would have to eat something so I don’t offend them. But I can hardly walk through the grocery store now without wanting to throw up, how the heck am I supposed to actually eat that stuff when I am in someone’s home?!!
I suppose there are bigger dilemmas in life….
Happy Thanksgiving!
Becky D says
Susan – I am so right there with you!
My biggest concern is for my son, who has lots of food (or should I say non-food?) sensitivities, and ends up sick. But – how do I tell him he can’t eat it when everyone else is eating? So – we’ll grin and bear it. And maybe make a huge breakfast so he’s not so hungry at dinner! 🙂
Magda says
Becky, I would make an exception for your son. If he’s going to be sick afterwards or throw a tantrum (whatever his reaction might be), then I would rather bring something for him (and maybe you) then deal with the consequences. I think people respond better to the ‘allergy and sensitivity’ angle than your ‘preference’ for real/good food. JMO…
Maryjane says
If I were *really* brave (and I’m usually not), I would have said to him, just before I hung up, “Really? Hmm . . . don’t know much about raising healthy turkeys, do you?”
ValerieH says
My sister-in-law always hosts thanksgiving. She bought an average size bird this year. Then she found our her sister invited 4 extra people. So now I’m scrambling to find a pastured turkey.
My favorite farm handles their pastured turkeys this way. They get the slaughter house date well in advance. After the slaughter, they drive the fresh turkeys up to my town to drop them off. That day is tomorrow. I called and left a message and also emailed. I have visited their farm. Their turkeys live outside with shelter available.
The funny thing is that my brother-in-law (married to the person who invited the people) has about 4 turkeys in his freezer that he bought at the grocery store. He likes to stock up when things are on sale. The hostess and I are the ones in the family who try to eat as high quality as possible.
Deb says
I think almost all turkeys are raised outside which is probably why he was being so sarcastic with you. They are provided shelter for when it rains though.
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
Argh, I am so tired of *some* farmers talking down to people that way. I emailed a farmer once and asked if they sprayed some of their crops. I got a big lecture about how they HAVE to, it’s the “best” way. (I just asked a simple question!) The other week a friend of mine went to a local farm and asked if they sprayed their apples. She got a very snippy, “Yes. Everything in here is sprayed. A lot. We have to.” Just, so rude!
Yes, some of us actually know a thing or two about farming and care where our food comes from! I think you should have said to the farmer (if you didn’t), “I’m sorry, I disagree, and I can’t purchase from you. I prefer my birds have access to the outdoors, where they can eat bugs and worms and get sunlight, which increases their nutritional content. Oh, and I’m a blogger with a large audience and I won’t be recommending your farm.” HA! I recommend mine all the time (they are super passionate about doing things the right way). I got a delicious turkey from them! Actually 3 because I love it and want to cook them up throughout the winter and freeze the extras. 🙂
KitchenKop says
I should’ve gotten extras, too, what was I thinking????? Oh wait, I know why I didn’t: freezer space!
Shannon S says
Oh Kelly you are such a riot! You dont mince words,and I am just cracking up about todays topic…telling us about the idiot you spoke to when shopping for your turkey. I do agree he IS an idiot, just the way you put it cracked me up. Enjoy your delicious, yummy turkey!