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Jim Dixon, a seasoned food writer, has transitioned from writing for WW to running his own specialty food business, Wellspent Market. Jim loves helping people cook by sharing recipes through his newsletter. Today, he’s here to share some Thanksgiving cooking experiences.
When my wife Judith and I first cooked Thanksgiving dinner together, she mentioned her dad, Ernie. He always basted turkey with beer. Ernie was a first-generation Sicilian-American who had a knack for making his own sausage and pasta, and Judith often brought unique lunches to school. So, I figured if it worked for him, it would work for me.
Instead of any regular beer, I chose local craft brews. After a few tries, I discovered stouts and porters worked best. Their rich flavors complemented the turkey, and they made for excellent gravy—an essential part of any Thanksgiving meal.
You might think it’s late for turkey tips, but don’t worry! After Thanksgiving, many stores sell turkey thighs for a great price, usually between $4 and $5 per pound. These thighs are perfect for cooking.
I love using turkey thighs not just for their taste but also for making glorious gravy. I mix flour in cold water to prevent lumps, which is an old trick I learned from my Aunt Margaret. You can add this mixture to the pan after the turkey is cooked, stirring until thickened.
Here’s a simple recipe for beer-basted turkey thighs:
Ingredients:
- 1–2 turkey thighs (2–3 lbs each)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 12–16 ounces of dark beer (stout or porter)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Drizzle olive oil in a roasting pan, coating the turkey thighs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Pour beer into the pan, covering the thighs halfway.
- Roast uncovered for about an hour, basting a couple of times and adding more beer as needed.
- Check for doneness by inserting a fork or thermometer—aim for 170°F to 180°F for tender results.
- Let the thighs rest before making gravy. Combine flour with cold water to form a paste, stir into the pan, and simmer for around 10 minutes until thick.
A recent survey by the National Turkey Federation showed that about 88% of Americans eat turkey during Thanksgiving. This statistic highlights how much we cherish this tradition, making recipes like the one above even more essential.
In social media trends, many home cooks are turning to share innovative turkey recipes, reflecting a shift towards local flavors and sustainable cooking. This year, many people are focused on creative ways to incorporate leftovers, often showcasing their creations on Instagram under hashtags like #TurkeyLeftovers.
Using simple ingredients can bring great satisfaction. Cooking can connect us to our traditions and loved ones, reminding us of the memories that come with every meal. Let’s keep celebrating these connections, one delicious dish at a time.
