Emergency Turkey Day plans -- Help!
We were supposed to travel to the in-laws this week for Thanksgiving, but plans have fallen through. I am not that experienced of a cook, although I can follow a recipe. There are just 3 of us -- what do I make for the big meal? Any size turkey will be too big, but I want somewhat of a traditional feel (i.e. I don't want to make a lasagna or something off the wall like that). Cost is a bit of a factor here, as well. I could succumb to ordering from Boston market, but even that would be too much food, I think, for the 3 of us... Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!
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15 Comments:
Don't forget about turkey pieces: whole breasts, or if that's still too large, you can find cutlets. There are also legs and thighs available. That way you can pick what you like (dark v. white).
Most other sides can easily be scaled down.
ren at 4:38PM on 11/20/07
I think Boston Market would be great for your needs--and what's more everyone can get the main course and sides they want. If yu want to make it a family meal, get a whole chicken and sides--I don't think you'll have any leftovers with 3 people.
annien at 4:41PM on 11/20/07
Just roast a nice chicken -- rub it with butter, squeeze a lemon over it, and season with salt and pepper. 350 degrees/20 minutes per pound. Mash some potatoes, and steam anything green -- brussels sprouts, broccoli, or green beans. Yum -- a great dinner with very little effort. Then you can make soup with the chicken carcass. Happy Turkey Day!
ride&cook at 4:44PM on 11/20/07
How about pizza or cereal?
jasonbrink at 4:54PM on 11/20/07
Apartment Therapy's The Kitchen has a last minute Thanksgiving menu for four, with chicken as the poultry entree. I'd throw a green salad or a green vegetable in there, but it's a moderate scale and hits several signature flavors.
There's also q&a that links to several smaller scaled recipes.
nita at 4:57PM on 11/20/07
I second the suggestion of roasted chicken. Search the internet for the recipe for instructions for Judy Rodger's Zuni Cafe roasted chicken if it's not offered already here at Serious Eats.
Capons (the poultry farmer's steer) are not available everywhere in the U.S., but if you're one of the fortunate few in a big city or down south, see if a butcher or local market carries them. They're a tradition in Europe for holidays, by the way, and make excellent soup or stock given the more intense flavor and juiciness of the bird. Then do the rest of the fixings you prefer.
If you don't own a general purpose cookbook, this might be a good occasion to splurge or get a public library card. (Mark Bittman's HOW TO COOK EVERYTHING or GOURMET's as edited by Ruth Reichl would be my choices.)
Or pick up this month's issue of GOURMET and pick and choose dishes from the four feasts the staff created for the occasion.
Stuffing a turkey breast is also an excellent option, but while easy to do, is a bit more complicated and requires kitchen twine. Best if everyone prefers white meat and doesn't care for much for skin.
Eliz. at 5:04PM on 11/20/07
P.S. Lynne Rossetto Kasper of The Splendid Table will be available on air for a T-day consultation for 2 hours, beginning at 11 am EST.
http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/
Eliz. at 5:08PM on 11/20/07
What about doing turkey cutlets? There is a recipe on epicurious with lemon and sage.(couldn't get the link, site busy). I made them a long time ago and they were tasty. Do Sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce..homemade is easy , adds a festive touch and you can make it tomorrow and then something green. Done!
You can check out the cranberry sauce here: http://izzyeats.blogspot.com/2007/11/cranberry-port-sauce-mold-to-behold.html
Good Luck!
izzy's mama at 5:48PM on 11/20/07
I would get a turkey breast, much easier to cook for 3 and then do Mashed and or sweet, veg (2) some eggnog, a few pies, cranberry of choice, and check out the box turkey stuffing review from right here http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2007/11/store-bought-stuffing-mix-showdown.html
If you are really pressed for time every large grocery chain has a prepared thanksgiving meal you can order today and pick up Thurs.
JerzeeTomato at 6:05PM on 11/20/07
If you want to do a whole bird, I recently read a review of Jennie-O "Freezer-to-Oven" turkeys that said they were pretty well passable. I might have gotten the link off of here...
Dominic
the zen kitchen
dvchurch at 6:21PM on 11/20/07
I agree with the votes for turkey breast. Last year I joined my brother in Ireland for Thanksgiving and we roasted sweet and regular potatoes under a turkey breast. It's much easier than fretting over an entire bird! Add in a nice salad, some cranberry sauce, and a steamed green vegetable and you've got a meal!
segalbraith at 6:24PM on 11/20/07
What about Cornish game hens? They're tasty, easy to cook and not too expensive, and there's something very festive about a whole little bird for each person.
Cathy at 10:31PM on 11/20/07
I like the idea of the Cornish Hens, but for ease of cooking, roasting a chicken is about as easy and trouble free as you can get. The Zuni Cafe recipe is a winner.
Add some roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes, a green vegetable, a fruit plate for salad and buy a pie. Choose a good bottle of wine and you've got a feast.
suegsf at 1:14AM on 11/21/07
Thanks so much for all of your suggestions! My panic is abating...
flootsmith at 4:49PM on 11/21/07
Try out this recipe for a Turkey Breast in the Crockpot. Should be enough food and easy to prepare last minute (if you start tonight that is... :) ). Good luck!
Hillary
Chew on That
Chew on That at 6:24PM on 11/21/07