My goodness! I hope everyone is better!

Turkey looks fabulous - I have been toying with the idea of brining the turkey myself this year - however, it's kind of warm here right now and I'm not sure if having it out in a bucket somewhere brining is going to be safe (I can't fit a bucket in the fridge lol!).

I'll definitely do the butter trick though.

Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas Deborah!
Annie | Homepage | Sat.22.Dec.07 - 8:03 pm | #

Thanks Annie - you too - hope the kids enjoy it! You can get brining bags at WS if that helps! Seals up so you can keep it right in your fridge!
Deborah | Homepage | Sat.22.Dec.07 - 8:17 pm | #

That turkey does look good. I have never heard of 'brining' it sounds interesting. I looked at the links but would be a bit nervous trying it this year. The rest of the way you prepare your turkey is pretty similar to what I do but I cook the stuffing separately these days but the sausage meat goes in the neck end. My brother is bringing my turkey tomorrow and I don't even know what size it is~ it was difficult to judge when I last saw it running around!
I did make some mince pies today, but I might get tempted to buy some from Sainsbury's on Monday if they are reduced!!

Congratulations on being shortlisted hope you end up victorious.

Happy Christmas to you and your family.
chrisb | Homepage | Sat.22.Dec.07 - 11:03 pm | #

Merry Christmas! I will have to tell my Mom that she is cooking us a traditional Irish meal for the day....right down to the boiled ham (it's the only way to make a ham, in my opinion). Simple vegetables and potatoes will finish the meal.

I brine my turkey as well and you're right--there's no going back.
Barb Szyszkiewicz. sfo | Homepage | Sat.22.Dec.07 - 11:34 pm | #

Your menu sounds fabulous; thanks so much for sharing. I learned to brine chicken from a Southern Cook Book. The meat is so moist and flavorful.

Hope you all stay well, and congratulations to you of being shortlisted, though I don't know exactly what that means. :P
Joyce | Homepage | Sun.23.Dec.07 - 12:06 am | #

Looks like a delish meal you've got planned!!

I got your card! Thank you!!

Congrats on the Digital Media Awards!
Goofy Girl | Homepage | Sun.23.Dec.07 - 3:27 am | #

Thank Chris! Lucky you seeing your turkey alive! You're a brave woman with the mince pies. I hate the things, but my Dad and brother adore them. I should be good girl and make them... but *SHUDDER*

Barb - We were never able to find raw ham in America, it was always pre-cooked. The demise of the butcher over there was very sad indeed! Wishing you a lovely Christmas!

Thanks Joyce!

GG - Glad it made it, more than can be said for the biscotti!
Deborah | Homepage | Sun.23.Dec.07 - 11:03 am | #

Deborah, if you want "raw" ham you have to ask for "fresh" ham. But this is a smoked ham (butt half) that Mom will be boiling. Fresh ham is good too--haven't had that in a long while.
Barb Szyszkiewicz. sfo | Homepage | Sun.23.Dec.07 - 11:31 pm | #

Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi mhaise dhuit.
Bock the Robber | Homepage | Tue.25.Dec.07 - 12:09 am | #

I'm glad you liked that gravy so much. The turkey looks great, and I brined my first one a few weeks ago, I'll never go back either.
Hmm, 'cook's treats?' I seem to treat myself so well when cooking that I barely eat anything when it gets to the table!
Happy New Year!
Lisa | Homepage | Fri.28.Dec.07 - 3:22 pm | #

The turkey looks wonderful! Merry Christmas from Texas!
Donna | Homepage | Sat.29.Dec.07 - 3:37 pm | #

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Robocop | Homepage | Sat.29.Dec.07 - 9:12 pm | #

Yummy!! I hope everyone is feeling better and you enjoy the New Year.
Laurie | Homepage | Sun.30.Dec.07 - 3:23 am | #