How do you prepare your turkey?

I’ve been making my turkey the same way for years and it’s always been foolproof. The first time I did it I almost passed out because it looked like the perfect turkey straight out of a magazine. My trick? Butter soaked cheesecloth! I didn’t have time for basting every half hour, not when I had a 9 month old to take care of.. So, from the pages of Parents Magazine I took their top turkey tip and, after loosening the skin and shoving globs of sage and pepper seasoned softened butter under the skin I draped it with a piece of butter soaked cheesecloth and then for the last half hour or so I tented it with a piece of aluminum foil. I did have to baste it a few times.. But not that much since the cheesecloth kept it nice and moist.

I don’t stuff my turkey, but I do toss some quartered onions, carrots, turnips and celery in the cavity (and then add those to the stuffing which I make separately)

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is 9 days away.. I’m usually a last minute Christmas shopper, but this year I’ve gotten a lot done. I am not one of those people you see in the stores on Black Friday.. You’ll find me seated comfortably in front of my computer doing my shopping that way. I don’t like crowds and I don’t like standing on line. Patience is a virtue.. But I deal with enough people in one day.. I don’t have the patience for that kind of nonsense Last year the only store I actually went to was Blockbuster to get a gift card.. Other than that, all my shopping was done online. I am a last minute wrapper though.. I often find myself up at 3am on Christmas eve getting presents wrapped (Now, I know that The Kid doesn’t believe in Santa Claus any more, but I do this to keep the dream alive) I did have to warn The Kid though this year, since he comes home before I do that there will be packages delivered and he is Strictly Forbidden from opening anything (Jeez, it’s not easy trying to keep a secret from a 12 year old)