HOLIDAY TRADITIONS | THE DINNER
Turkey
THREE WAYS
Gobbling down a delicious turkey baked in the oven is a holiday
tradition around many tables, but you can break the mold with these
three flavorful alternatives.
FRYING
SMOKING
A Southern tradition that’s taking hold, deep frying produces a juicy
bird with a crisp outer skin. Frying something as big as a holiday turkey
requires a specialized set-up, however, and needs to be done outside.
Peanut oil is the usual frying medium here, as its high smoke point and
mild flavor lend itself well to this application. There is a measure of
danger involved; a turkey that’s even the least bit frozen could produce
a dangerous fire. Make sure your bird is completely thawed and patted
dry before you fry.
GRILLED
Low and slow gets you a bird with an intense smoky flavor. It’s also
slightly more involved than popping a turkey into the oven, but it does
free up that oven for other uses, such as pies, sides and breads. You can
use a grill with an offset smoker or fashion your regular grill into a
smoker using a disposable metal pan. The type of wood chips you use
will depend on what flavor you get. Finer grocery stores usually carry
at least a few varieties near the charcoal; outdoor stores may offer more
of a selection.
If you don’t have or don’t want to make a smoker, there’s always
the option of putting the bird on the grill. To be precise, in a roasting pan
covered with foil on the grill. Keep an eye on the coals for even heat
distribution. Keep the turkey from getting too dry by using beer or wine
as a basting liquid, and don’t forget herbs to compliment. Try to keep the
lid of the grill closed as much as possible, using a thermometer with a
probe to keep an eye on the temperature. As you close in on that magic
170-degree temp, remove the foil and allow the turkey to brown.
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS | FAMILY FUN
Christmas eve traditions
hristmas eve is one of the most
tradition-filled days on the
calendar. From wide-eyed
children to full-grown adults, it is
a special day that fills our bodies
with anticipation and excitement.
Don’t forget to include lessons about the true
meaning of Christmas if you’re looking to involve
the kids with your traditions. It’s easy to get wrapped
up in the presents, decorations and cookies, but
teaching children about the meaning of Christmas
from a young age can be on of the most important
traditions you make for your family.
C
Head to church
Many churches will have special Christmas eve
services to help celebrate the season. Carve out a
couple of hours of your day or night to join your
church members in doing just that. Teach your
children the stories of Christmas and how it has come
to be such a big part of our lives.
Spend time together as a family discussing the
meaning of Christmas over a nice meal after church.
Ask your children questions to pique their interest
and test their knowledge.
30 • HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2017 • WWW.DAILYASTORIAN.COM
Santa time
Many families have an elder uncle or
grandparent play the role of St. Nick on Christmas
eve. Enlist the help of a willing participant and start
the tradition in your family.
Make reindeer sounds on the roof to excite the
youngsters and have Santa show up with a full sack
of toys. Have Santa take a seat near the tree and have
each child come up for their chance to sit on his lap
and receive their presents. This can create magical
memories for children — and adults.
New pajamas
What’s better than a set of new pajamas on
Christmas eve? Watch the holiday spirit envelop you
and yours as you settle into your new comfy PJs on
the couch for a marathon Christmas movie night.
Find pajamas that are brightly colored and
vibrantly designed in holiday themes.
The more fun and outrageous your holiday
pajamas are the better — and try to find matching
sets for the family and even family pets.