Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

I used to eat the traditional baked turkey...until I had it fried. I'm wondering how many people will bake vs. fry and how many people who have had it fried actually prefer the traditional baked turkey.
Personally, I used to simply tolerate the traditional turkey because I always thought it was more dry and less flavorful than what I prefer.

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

We are breaking the rules this year EATING OUT on Thanksgiving day! With the baby coming in a couple weeks, we can't really travel or do a big cooked meal (Gimmie a break! I offered to cook!)

This Sunday though, we will go to my Mom's for an early Thanksgiving meal they are doing four turkeys - about 70 people.

They generally only do the traditional oven-baked turkey.

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

We always do a fried turkey. We've been frying them for about 13 yrs. I agree, a baked turkey just isn't as moist. We also always brine our turkey. It really makes for a super moist bird. We usually do a Cajun brine, this year, however, we are doing a brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, thyme, and crushed garlic brine. We've used this recipe a few times and it's really good.

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

We are having one fried and one baked. And for those that don't like turkey, we are having a ham.

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

There's been a fad the last several years to smoke one bird. It's pretty flavorful but if you don't like the dryness of the white meat in a baked turkey, you'll probably go "Ho-hum" over a smoked one.

Personally, the wild fowl of North America have never really done me any harm; so I've never been one to celebrate the basting of their carcasses.

I just don't get really worked up about the extra effort behind the food, though I know it's a source of happiness for many others. I do look forward to the variety of the spread that's a result of so many people coming together. And then there's one sister's cheese ball. It's spicy with bits of jalapeños and crunchy with bits of nuts. It ain't the holidays without one or more of those giant cheese balls!

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

A smoked turkey needs to be brined first! :) Then you won't have as much trouble with a dry bird--unless you overcook it, or forget to let it rest before slicing.

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

Don't know the details on that one. They've got 'em smoking long before we ever show up.

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

We will be doing a fried turkey....and will also have a smoked turkey. Spiral ham also.

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

Oven turkey is wonderful IF it's not overcooked and IF it's basted well - Rub whole bird with butter - even under skin where you can reach. stuff with an apple or orange, onion and celery. I like turkey smoked, fried or baked - just don't overcook any of them!

Re: Baked Turkey vs. Fried Turkey
 

Oooooo.... Ya know, I got nowhere to go this year....