Debating over how to cook your turkey this year? Still looking for that perfect recipe for mashed potatoes? What about festive cocktails to help de-stress during all that entertaining? Our team here at Making History has you covered this Thanksgiving-with a little help from our new friend Chef Travis Brust!
We spent fours hours in the Taste Studio with Chef Travis, the Executive Chef at the Williamsburg Inn-all for the sake of research (of course). We asked him about everything from the best way to butcher and brine your turkey to how to cut the perfect piece of pie. As a result, each morning next week, we’re going to post videos, recipes, and insider tips so you too can have a successful feast that will leave everyone going back for seconds!
MONDAY: LET’S TALK TURKEY
It seems “spatchcock” is the way to go in 2014-even Martha Stewart is talking about it. And with good reason. It cuts your cooking time in half! Not only will Chef Travis demonstrate why you shouldn’t be intimidated by this method, he’s also going to reveal a delicious brine recipe that includes brown ale and a spice rub that is simply Ah-Mazing! How do I know? Again, it’s research people, research.
UPDATE: Check out Chef Travis’s secrets to the perfect turkey (with video!)
TUESDAY: PICK A SIDE (or four!)
Chef Travis will share four of his family’s favorite recipes with you! I can tell you his dressing includes a secret “golden” ingredient. One way to get creamy mashed potatoes involves cheese (and not just any cheese). A little Grand Marnier goes a loooong way when it comes to cranberry sauce and Brussels Sprouts really are better with bacon. Warning: You may need to make an extra grocery list just for this post.
WEDNESDAY: TOAST TO FRIENDS & FAMILY!
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food! It’s about fellowship with family and friends. Take a break from all that cooking and enjoy some festive holiday cocktails. While I can’t reveal everything you’ll need just yet, I can give you one hint: stock up on apple cider now.
UPDATE: The recipes have posted! Click here to see which ingredients you will need. Cheers!
THURSDAY: PLAN AHEAD!
Arm yourself with last-minute tips to help keep your mashed potatoes creamy, your gravy from scorching, and your dressing from drying out. As an added bonus, we’re also going to show you how to cut the perfect piece of pie, including that pesky first slice. Not much of a baker? Take advantage of our Raleigh Tavern Bakery sale next Tuesday and Wednesday but remember, they sell out quickly!
UPDATE: This post is now up. Find out how to have a stress-free, mess-free Thanksgiving!
FRIDAY: DIVE INTO THOSE LEFTOVERS
By then, you may be sick of all that turkey. Be honest, how many times did you go back for seconds… or thirds? Have no fear! Chef Travis has three creative and ridiculously easy recipes for all those leftovers. My favorite is how to turn leftover pecan pie into a different, equally delicious dessert.
And don’t forget, you can have each post emailed directly to your inbox at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Just click on the “subscribe” button to the right of this post (or scroll down on our mobile site) and register. It’s that easy!
Need a good turkey recipe or any tips to cook it.
Denise, you are in luck! Chef Travis has you covered: http://makinghistorynow.com/2014/11/chef-travis-brust-reveals-secrets-to-a-perfect-turkey/