I love the smell of Peanut oil on Thanksgiving morning. It means it's time for a southern holiday tradition, fried turkey. There's only three kinds of people in the world, those who have tried it, those who won't and those who would like to. For more than a dozen years I've had the pleasure of mastering the process of cooking a bird without burning down the house.
If your one of those folks who would like to try fried turkey, and you don't have a family expert, there are only three considerations.
My son Andrew, besides being the Technical Director for the New College Theatre at Harvard, is known in the industry as Mr. Safety. I can hear him saying "Dad, Dad, Dad!" whenever I consider trying something even slightly questionalble. So pay close attention to the following:
Honestly, it just kills me that I won't be with my boys or my brothers this Thanksgiving. John just secured a job with a defense contractor, (sorry I can't tell you where or what he's working on). Andy will be up in the Northeast. It will be the 18th aniversary of my first Thanksgiving with my big brother Lee. I'm thankful he decided to come looking for me so many years ago, (yes Lee, I really was lost.)
My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that no matter what has kept you apart in the past, you will find a way to come together with your family, and make it,
Just Another Thanksgiving in Paradise!
If your one of those folks who would like to try fried turkey, and you don't have a family expert, there are only three considerations.
- Equipment - Turkey fryer kit including a 4 legged propane burner, long handled lighter and 33-quart heavy gauge Aluminum pot (NOT Stainless Steel) and an immersible thermometer. For safety, fire extinguisher, (Not Water Hose) and an excuse for the firemen when you have to call them to put out your house fire.
- Location - Far FAR away from anything flammable, including the house, your garage, pets and kids. Don't even think you'll be able to drag a flaming pot of frying turkey out of the way unless you wish to become as bald as I am.
- Procedure - Thaw the turkey, setup the fryer so it's stable. Place a table to keep utensils close at hand. Determine the right amount of oil by placing the bird in the pot, filling it with water from a one-gallon jug to just cover the bird. Remove the bird and the water. Fill the pot with Peanut oil (you kept track of how much water you used, right?). Light off the burner, (as my son John would say).
Safety
My son Andrew, besides being the Technical Director for the New College Theatre at Harvard, is known in the industry as Mr. Safety. I can hear him saying "Dad, Dad, Dad!" whenever I consider trying something even slightly questionalble. So pay close attention to the following:
- Once you light the fire, don't even think about walking away from the area. Yes that means using the bathroom before you start. Have a designated number two. Someone to film the fireball, or pull you away or call 911. If you start a fire, walk, don't run to the extingusher.
- Wear gloves or have plenty of pot holders. It only takes 35-40 minutes so be patient and don't turn away.
- Once your bird is cooked, Slowly pull the bird out using a hook and a V shaped rest to prop it above the pot for draining. Make sure you hair is combed so you'll be ready for the photo opportunity.
Family
Honestly, it just kills me that I won't be with my boys or my brothers this Thanksgiving. John just secured a job with a defense contractor, (sorry I can't tell you where or what he's working on). Andy will be up in the Northeast. It will be the 18th aniversary of my first Thanksgiving with my big brother Lee. I'm thankful he decided to come looking for me so many years ago, (yes Lee, I really was lost.)
My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that no matter what has kept you apart in the past, you will find a way to come together with your family, and make it,
Just Another Thanksgiving in Paradise!