Deep Dive
What is Sam Sifton's controversial take on appetizers at Thanksgiving?
Sam Sifton is anti-appetizers at Thanksgiving, arguing that he doesn't want guests filling up on snacks before the main meal. He makes an exception for oysters, which he considers light and non-filling, and uses them as a pre-meal activity to keep guests occupied and hungry for the feast.
What is Sam Sifton's hack for handling unexpected guests at Thanksgiving?
Sam Sifton recommends roasting turkey thighs the night before Thanksgiving, shredding the meat, and combining it with gravy in a slow cooker. This creates a 'turkey a la king' mixture that can serve as a backup if extra guests arrive, ensuring there's enough food without last-minute stress.
What are Leslie Stockton's essential tools for cooking a Thanksgiving turkey?
Leslie Stockton recommends a roasting pan, a sharp chef's knife, and an instant-read thermometer as essential tools for cooking a turkey. She advises against unnecessary gadgets like electric carving knives and basters, emphasizing simplicity and practicality.
Why does Leslie Stockton recommend using a grill for cooking a turkey?
Leslie Stockton suggests using a gas grill to cook a turkey if oven space is limited. By turning on the outside burners and leaving the middle burner off, the turkey cooks evenly while freeing up the oven for side dishes. This method also allows for easy gravy-making with collected drippings.
What is Sam Sifton's advice for first-time Thanksgiving hosts?
Sam Sifton advises first-time hosts to keep Thanksgiving simple by focusing on classic dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, and a green vegetable. He recommends doing a rehearsal of dishes like mashed potatoes before the big day to build confidence and avoid experimenting with new recipes on Thanksgiving.
What is Sam Sifton's sentimental favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
Sam Sifton's favorite side dish is Brussels sprouts with bacon and heavy cream, a recipe passed down from his father. He values the dish not only for its flavor but also for the emotional connection it provides to his family and the holiday.
What is Leslie Stockton's tip for safely transferring a turkey from the roasting pan to the cutting board?
Leslie Stockton recommends using tongs and a large spatula to transfer a turkey from the roasting pan to the cutting board. She suggests inserting tongs into the cavity at the leg end and supporting the neck end with the spatula, tilting the turkey to release accumulated juices for gravy.
What is Sam Sifton's approach to keeping Thanksgiving dishes warm before serving?
Sam Sifton keeps dishes warm by resting the turkey for up to an hour, using the oven to reheat sides, and maintaining a pot of turkey stock on the stove to moisten the meat before serving. He also suggests using slow cookers or dishwashers with plate-warming functions to keep food and plates warm.
- First-time Thanksgiving host shares anxieties.
- Guests: Sam Sifton and Lesley Stockton.
- Focus on stress reduction and efficient preparation.
Shownotes Transcript