Before that Hallmark moment of carving a golden turkey comes a morning filled with stress: What if the turkey's too dry? What if there's not enough pie for dessert? What if grandpa shows up in a MAGA hat?
Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian wants to take the stress out of Thanksgiving by giving his pro tips on how to roast a perfect turkey. The chef behind Point Royal at the Diplomat Beach Resort has also shared some pointers to elevate your holiday feast to restaurant quality.
If all else fails, you can always take the family to the resort for Zakarian's Thanksgiving Day brunch. From noon to 4 p.m., brunch includes snow crab claws, roasted pumpkin and potato salad, butter-basted turkey with brandy pan gravy and cranberry-apple relish, local honey-glazed ham, and a carving station with herb-crusted rib-eye and salmon Wellington.
Turkey tips:
- Make sure you salt and season your turkey 24 hours in advance and let it rest, uncovered, in the fridge. This will ensure a fully seasoned bird and crisp skin.
- Rest the turkey for two hours at room temperature before cooking. This will ensure even cooking.
- Cook your turkey on high heat for one hour at 400 degrees. Then lower to 350 degrees for the remaining cooking time.
- Take out the turkey when it has reached 156 degrees, then let it rest for one hour before carving. This process creates a perfectly moist turkey.
- For cocktails, pick two recipes and make a larger batch for each. This way, all you have to do is pour over ice and enjoy with your guests.
- Never have an open bar at Thanksgiving. Choose the wine and cocktails beforehand to serve to your guests. As guests arrive, get a drink into their hands the moment they walk in the door.
- Find a local bakery and have them hand-make your pies and desserts. It’s a great way to support your local business and you don’t need to stress about the dessert.
- Ask someone who is coming if they'd mind supplying a few pies or tarts. Everyone wants to be told what to bring. It takes the pressure off you and them.
- Make sure the lights in your dining room are slightly dimmed and there is some background music.
