A Birthday Story of Fried Turkey and Sides
March 12, 2009 by Joan in Family-Size Meals, Holidays, Party Menus, Poultry, Side Dishes | 17 Comments
Back Story: For Christmas Day dinner, my son wanted a fried turkey and went out and purchased the fryer. But we had a rain-out. Fast thinking and successful surgery to de-bone the carcass to get it cooked quickly followed and we ate a very delicious (though not conventional) roast turkey.
Fast Forward: March 8 is my son’s birthday. In our family, the birthday person chooses the dinner…the person closest by blood ties does the cooking…and everyone else shows up to eat and celebrate. My son was still hankering for that fried turkey so that was his dinner choice. Thankfully for me, because that also meant the party would be at his house and that he would be handling half the dinner which was a big help since we were going to be 21 people.
Cell phones in hand to dial 911, his cousins and friends stood a good distance behind him cheering/jeering(?) as Jim lowered the turkey into the boiling hot oil.
45-minutes or so later, he pulled out a beautifully golden 20+ lb. bird.
It didn’t take long after that for the birthday turkey to look like this:
For me dinners like this are all about the sides. However, not wanting to go the traditional Thanksgiving menu route since we were cooking outdoors, I made 4 side dishes that could be served at room temperature. Two had a decidedly Mediterranean theme and two had a Southwestern twist.
From my Spanish and Italian roots, I conjured up a pasta that was made with long-simmering garbanzos, chorizo, tomatoes, green olives and dressed with olive oil and lemon.
This was a rice salad made with sauteed spinach and artichokes to which I added toasted pignolis, feta cheese, a LOT of lemon, and olive oil.
A big hit with the kids was the roasted sweet potatoes that were dressed with a vinaigrette made from fresh lime juice and lots of zest, honey, a little olive oil and a little chipolte (ssh, don’t tell the kids).
Corn, avocado, cheddar cheese, black olives, capers, scallions dressed with fresh tomato salsa and extra squeezes of lemon.
It was supposed to be just these 4 sides but not wanting to waste all those gallons of hot oil, my son threw in a few pounds of sliced white potatoes after he removed the turkey. They don’t look so good but they were might tasty.
The party ended with Carvel ice cream cake…some traditions die hard!
Truth be told: (1) While the turkey was very moist, I prefer a roasted bird. (2) I’m not telling you how old my son was on March 8th. I’m not that truthful!
Note: FOODalogue suggests this recipe as a guide to food pairings and techniques to be experimented with…in your own kitchen…to your own spice and taste levels…and to your preferred portion sizes.
17 Comments
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Your sides all sounded wonderful! We like to have 2 turkeys on Thanksgiving–one stuffed and roasted and one fried. Not only is it insurance against bad weather, it gives me a “centerpiece” that then becomes doggy bag fodder.
Joan, your son turned 15, right?
So that must make you about 30…You must’ve started young!
I’ve never had a fried turkey but sounds good…and I love all those sides! I think I’m with the kids – I would’ve adored those sweet potatoes!
And I love your pics of Florida dining with family – I really miss my home state.
Shorts and t-shirts in March – lovely!
I’m very intrigued by this frying method for a turkey…it all looks so wonderful and tasty! And yes, those side dishes you made are def a treat Joan!
Happy belated birthday wishes to your son. It’s amazing how that huge turkey was cooked in 45 minutes.
Wow, unbelievable! Cooked a 20+ lb. turkey!
Your side dishes are so tempting. Delicious!
Cell phones in hand! Too funny. At least it was a defrosted turkey. The sides you made look great and I esp. love the sweet potatoes recipe. I think the lime sounds great on them!
Looks like a fun time was had by all. I like your photos!
I’d like to see your son wearing an asbestos suit and goggles frying that turkey. Safety first!
Anyway, your side salads all look so luscious. Must have been quite a delectable feast.
Now that is one fantastic birthday feast!
Wow I am totally impress, I heard so many horrid story about this frying turkey. I guess it really worth the effort since the taste is incredibly delicious (I heard).
Happy birthday to your son!
Cheers,
elra
I’ve never heard of a turkey being fried like that! Interesting method (and to me it seems better then having to try and fit a turkey in an oven. Which would be impossible in our oven!) Your side dishes look amazing and delicious!
Thanks for stopping by my blog Joan!
These big family gatherings are usually fun (gotta watch out for those drunk uncles) and the turkey…whoa…a showstopper…the star of the day!
I have made a declaration to my family, NO DEEP-FRIED TURKEY. I am sure we would all love it, but with two little nephews and a rambunctious dog running all around, I would have a nervous break-down due to worry about all that hot oil long before the 45 minutes of cooking time elapsed. Your bird looks gorgeous Joan!
LL
The turkey looks amazing and the sides are all wonderful. I was afraid you’d be going with the traditional TGiving fare. Hmm, Joan, I’m pretty good at guessing ages and your son appears to be, oh… 15 or so
The turkey looks SO delicious! I’ve always wanted to try deep fried turkey! All the sides look great, too. What a wonderful birthday feast! Maybe you should adopt me.
joan!!
)
fantastico!!
usally I do fruit filled turkey at Cristmas…
in the oven
must try this way with the boiling oil.
what kind of oil did you use?
it thrills me!!
))
baciusss
Happy belated birthday to your son!!! What a great idea to fry the bird!
I wonder why you say you prefer it roasted… did you fill it before frying?
Birthday parties are the best! Great side dishes Joan
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