YumSugar

Is the Jennie-O Oven-Ready Turkey Really Worth It?

YumSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 07:01:33 -0800

A few days ago the folks at Jennie-O sent us one of their Oven-Ready freezer to oven turkeys. According to their website these turkeys - which have been around for the last four years - require, "No Thawing. No Mess. No Prep. No Apron." That's right, no thawing. You literally take it out of the freezer and you stick it in the oven. In fact, you don't have to touch the bird ever.

I must admit, upon learning how it works - cooked in "Fool-Proof" bag - I was more than just a little skeptical. However, in the name of tasty eats, I knew I had to try it.

So how did it turn out? Was it really "fool-proof" and was it tasty? To find out the answer to these questions and more, read more

When I opened the outside container, I was met with an 11.8 pound turkey vacuum sealed inside of a translucent yellow bag. I followed the directions and cut a few slits in the plastic in order to break the vacuum seal. I then pulled the plastic away from the bird, placed it in a roasting pan and tossed in to a preheated 350F oven. That was it; my hands never once made contact with the actual bird.

Fast forward several hours and I was cutting into a succulent and juicy turkey. The skin was a little on the salty side, but the flavor was classic and not overpowering. It was also tender and juicy on the inside. As someone who loves to cook, I found it to be a little bit odd; there were a few seasonings I would have liked to use. However, I know quite a few people who don't love cooking and just want to have a nice bird on Thanksgiving. If you're one of those folks, then I would recommend you give it a try.

The experience is absolutely effortless, but not totally flawless. I didn't wait for the popup button to pop up - I find that by that time, the birds are usually overcooked - so I went with the thermometer method instead. Unfortunately, due to the plastic bag that the turkey is roasting - or is it steaming? - in, it was really difficult to see exactly where you were sticking the thermometer. I also found that gravy made from the drippings was too salty with a hint of artificial flavor to it. You also can't make any stuffing in it, and it does not come with the giblets/innards pack like most turkeys.

Overall I'd say, if you love cooking, then go ahead and skip out on this one, but if you're looking for a simple way to get a pretty good Thanksgiving bird on the table, then rush out and pick one up. The turkey will come out juicy and you won't have to worry about defrosting. The price on Jennie-O's website says $57, however I saw them at my local Safeway for under $25.

Have you tried it? If so, what did you think?

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Thanksgiving Help Is a Phone Call Away!

YumSugar — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:03:57 -0800

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you're enjoying the best feast of the year. However, if your meal is turning out to be more hell's kitchen than heavenly bliss, you may want to give one of these numbers a call.

USDA Meat and Poultry: 1-888-674-6854, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. EST
Butterball: 1-800-BUTTERBALL, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST
Honeysuckle White Turkey: 1-800-810-6325, automated info 24 hours a day
Jennie-O Turkey Hotline: 1-800-TURKEYS
Lightlife: 1-866-474-6985, meat-free tips
Reynolds Turkey Tips Hotline: 1-800-745-4000, 24 hours a day

And if all else fails, order up a pizza and laugh about it next year!

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Thanksgiving Tip: So You're a Procrastinator...

partysugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:19:39 -0800

So you're a procrastinator who happens to be hosting Thanksgiving dinner. You've done nothing to prepare and Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Don't worry: With help from the store, you can put together an elegant and delicious dinner in just 24 short hours. Here's how:

Take a deep breath. Remember, Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones and being thankful, not about being chained to your stove.
Jazz up store brought products. Stove Top stuffing tastes homemade when you add fresh chopped parsley, sage, sauteed mushrooms, and celery.

Enhance boxed mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheese, garlic, or fresh herbs.
Top frozen green beans with sliced almonds, bacon, or chopped roasted red peppers.
Get a reasonably priced, oven-ready, no thaw Jennie-O turkey.
Place canned cranberry and premade/packet gravy in your best serving dishes. This way no one can tell you didn't make it from scratch.
Buy a frozen pie or pick up one from your local bakery.
When all else fails, grab your phone and see if you can get reservations at a restaurant that is serving Thanksgiving dinner. If they're all booked, order Chinese takeout.

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What's Yummy This Week: YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:01:33 -0800

Thanksgiving is next week! This week we planned a full Vegetarian Thanksgiving, gave you tips on how to roast a turkey, how to make great gravy and what to do to make your meal a vegetarian friendly one.
We also tested out the oven-to-freezer turkey from Jennie-O.
PartySugar takes us behind the scenes of Dining by Design. Be sure to check out the huge gallery of great tablescape ideas.

Party also makes a delicious dulce de leche cake. I only wish I got a piece.
Cook's Illustrated editor Christopher Kimball had quite a few words to say.
Friday was National Fast Food Day. Do you know your fast? If so, then take this quiz and prove it. Also, be sure to tell us what your fave fast food place is.
Do you know the difference between beer and chocolate?
The gift-giving holidays are right around the corner! To help you out, we've officially started our gift guides!
Want ultracrisp pizza? Mark Bittman suggests you pan-fry it.

These pecan pie cookies will be a hit at an upcoming cookie swap, or for dessert on Thanksgiving.
Remember the batter blaster? I found some at the store and tried the canned batter out.
Was your local Chinese restaurant named one of the best Chinese restaurants in the USA?

And finally, congrats to the winners of our Haute Hostess Apron giveaway! Stay tuned for more great contests.