How to Cook a Turkey: *And All the Other Trimmings

by Fine Cooking Magazine

How to Cook a Turkey* is meant to be holiday survival guide for a wide range of home first timers who have no idea where to even begin; more experienced cooks who, nonetheless, forget every year what temperature to cook their turkey at and for how long; and cooks of all levels who like the idea of having one compact holiday handbook of recipes and how-to information specific to their circumstances.
The book contains 100 recipes for everything from appetizers to desserts (including an entire chapter on pies), as well as lots of information on everything to do with turkeys (buying info, thawing times, oven temperatures, cook times), as well as on stuffing and making gravy.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2007

Reviews

[Julie H. Ernstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from our local public library as part of my Thanksgiving prep. A few days later, I sat down with it and a stack of post-its to flag the pages of recipes I might wish to try. An impressive fan of tagged pages resulted in very short order. Then, I actually began reading the authors' discussion of turkey selection, proper roasting pan size, the relative merits of brining vs. other methods, and greatly appreciated the non-condescending tone and non-partisanship of the advice offered within the book's pages. My husband suggested a "trial run" of the Espresso Gingerbread Cake with Espresso Glaze (pp. 184-185). OMG--it was simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious!

Despite the title, How to Cook a Turkey..., this book has tons of advice on everything from the soups, salads, vegetables, other sorts of fowl one might prepare, as well as a tremendous range of creative things to do with the leftovers resulting from a holiday feast. You guessed it, I now own my own copy and will thoroughly enjoy working my way through its tabbed pages over the coming weeks and months.

I wholeheartedly recommend this cookbook for both the experienced cook and newbie alike. It is by no means intimidating, and has great menu and recipe suggestions for even the most accomplished cook. For anyone attempting his/her first Bird at Thanksgiving, this book is a must. It takes all the fear out of the equation and will be a great resource for years to come. Plus, it contains recipes that one could make year-round and not just at the holidays or during the colder months of the year.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I'm cooking my first Thanksgiving meal and it being a little daunting, I decided to try to get as much help as possible. How to Cook a Turkey... is the best book I've come across so far. It has some really great tips and it really is geared for the beginner...ME! The recipes are pretty good...I'm really looking for very basic, traditional, classic dishes and this cookbook seems to have a mix of traditional and modern-take-on-traditional recipes, so maybe something for everyone. I love the pictures and the step by step instructions. The introduction gave really great advice, the tips about the turkey seem very helpful and the desert section is great! I think some good inspiration can be found in these recipes.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really helped me make my first ever turkey. Plus the recipe for stock was useful too. Tiramisu also looks fab and easy, as does the Pumpkin Ginger Pound Cake. Great alternatives to full turkey included in here too--like stuffed breast and Duck or Goose.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has very detailed instructions and great pictures. There are many different recipes not just for Turkey. Just picking out what you want to serve is a little overwhelming. Great ideas.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed from my local library. Can't wait to try many of the recipes in this book. Good photography, too.