CharlieD
Chef Extraordinaire
...But my wife...... c'est la vie
The question: How much turkey will I need? 1 big one? 2 smaller ones?
Thanks in advance.
including picture:
...But my wife...... c'est la vie
The question: How much turkey will I need? 1 big one? 2 smaller ones?
Thanks in advance.
At our Thanksgiving meals, everyone, including those who only showed up and didn't contribute, expected to take home leftovers. We made two 20 lb turkeys, with double mashed potatoes, double dressing, and sides. This was for 4 adults, and 6 kids. And still some squabbled that certain people took home more than their share. I had to have enough turkey leftover to make at least 1 turkey and dressing sandwich, and some rutabaga. Wife had to have leftover mashed spuds, and gravy. She was one who wanted to take home mire than her share, even though i did all of the cooking. She wasn't the only adult who wanted more than their share but contributed nothing but an apatite.
Morale of the story, make enough for reasonable leftovers. You might even make it known ahead of time that those who do not contribute aren't entitled to leftovers. No freeloaders allowed, unless you are in a very sharing mood, and you plan it that way. I loved to share a smoked turkey at our church Thanksgiving. Yes it as at my expense, and was my effort. But we did this to provide a quality holiday for those who had no one to share the day with. And other members contributed sides, and desert.
Know your group, and plan accordingly.
Seeeeya; Chief Longwind of the North
I learned some years ago to put our leftovers away before anyone could start piling a plate or plastic bowls full to take home.
As I carve the turkey, (I don't do this in front of anyone) I squirrel away enough for at least a couple meals. ..
Roll Bones, I wouldn't worry about whether you have enough... Unless you're feeding 50! I found that no matter how much or what I prepare people don't eat as much as one would think. Especially if there is a lot of variety, which I always like to do. More work of course, but I just gotta do it!
LOL, one year I was expecting 25/28 people. Made everything in advance.
Every dish was made a week ahead, frozen, then defrost for two days in the unheated garage. Rotated for heating (had a large warming drawer) and it all came out perfect.
My mistake was tripling all the recipes as they were for 6 & 8 people - well, had enough that all the families were able to take home leftovers and I had enough for 2/3 meals for ourselves.
Every once in a while I'd find some more serving sized mashers in the freezer! They were delish but still...
I wish I had done that. One year SO gave away all our turkey to my daughters to take home thinking I had only carved half the turkey. We had minimal leftovers that year.
+1!!!We need a darn thanks button here!
I just use Herb Flavor Pepperidge Farm stuffing CUBES. The crumbles turn to mush. Everyone loves it, so why bother with drying bread.Thanks. Yes, I am pretty sure I have enough for everyone. I have to remember I am cooking for the a meal and not for doggie bags.
So if there is enough left for take out, great. If not well.........
LOL Andy. That happened to us once. That is why a save ours first in the kitchen. Then I bring out the platter.
The time we found ourselves with little to zero left overs, I went back to the store and found a 10 pound fresh turkey and roasted it.
Boy did we have leftovers. I ate so many turkey sandwiches.
Oh....I am using Ciabatta bread for my dressing. I hope its not to tough. But last year I used Italian loaf and it sort of disintegrated. I was not very proud of it and did not get one compliment. I usually do get compliments.
I find it strange that people would 'expect' to take home from a meal. As the cook and hostess it was and is my prerogative to offer that in the first place and I never did if there were not enough for my own family first!
As a guest (family or friend) I would never dream of barging in and asking for leftovers! How rude! and uncouth. The host has invited you to a meal of which he paid for and cooked and you want the leftovers?
If it did happen it would be the last time that person/family was invited. And I am bold enough to tell them outright should they assume and/or ask. I would never say a word unless asked but if they did? ....
I use these, too. They work great, we like them and it's one of the few shortcuts I take on Thanksgiving.I just use Herb Flavor Pepperidge Farm stuffing CUBES. The crumbles turn to mush. Everyone loves it, so why bother with drying bread.
I use these, too. They work great, we like them and it's one of the few shortcuts I take on Thanksgiving.
This so off topic now. Should be closed down. Or can I be removed from a thread I started?
This so off topic now. Should be closed down. Or can I be removed from a thread I started?