Romance Writers Weekly (Nov. 18, 2014)- Favorite Seasonal Dish

So this week, with the holidays looming, we thought we'd tackle a tasty question: What's my favorite seasonal dish? I wonder what Kim Handysides chose? If you missed her, head back for her delicious dish!

Hands down, my favorite seasonal dish is turkey. Now, my grandma roasted a turkey for both Thanksgiving and Christmas each year. Yum! She'd serve it with rice and gravy because that's what her favorite granddaughter loved (yes, me!). Carrot sticks, cream cheese filled celery sticks and olives kept hunger at bay as the wondrous aromas tempted from the kitchen. I don't really remember much else; those were my favorites.

Now that I host the family Thanksgiving, I serve two meats: spiral sliced ham and smoked turkey. I am sharing how I prepare the turkey. First I brine the thawed, cleaned turkey overnight. I buy a dry brine made of spices and herbs from World Market. Then I pat it dry and rub extra virgin olive oil under the skin and inside the cavity. While I prepare the turkey in the morning, I start the smoker, adding either soaked Applewood or Cherrywood chunks. Both give a great, lightly fruity smoke. I load the bird into the smoker on a pan with a reservoir for liquid (I use white wine). This year, I'm adding my own home grown rosemary, thyme and sage in the cavity and under the skin. I can't wait. For me, it's not Thanksgiving without a turkey!


Since you're all birded out, head over to Jeana Mann's blog to add to your menu! I myself will be blog hopping, collecting recipes or ideas as I go!

Don't forget our Romance Writers Weekly Stocking Stuffer Christmas Event on Dec 2nd!. We're giving away books and sweet swag all day!