The Thanksgiving Mega Thread

I'm so excited to have my UK family experience their first Thanksgiving dinner with me in a couple weeks (even though I'm bummed I don't get to spend Thanksgiving with my family in the US).

Went to Tesco do some some searching for the items that I use to make all the essentials and have one BIG issue.... the turkey!!!! No fresh ones til Dec.  I'm ok with using a frozen one, but (and this may sound a bit stupid) how long will it take to defrost??

I should say on the wrapper how to defrost the turkey. Here is a UK website with guidelines: http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/seasonsandcelebrations/winter/saferchristmaseating/

If you have a butcher near you, you could ask if they can order you a fresh turkey or a turkey crown, which is basically a breast. That's a good choice if you're only going to have a few people over as it doesn't make a ton. 

Thanks for the link!!! Of course I didn't look to closely at the wrapper, just instantly started freaking out, hahahaha.

There are a couple of butchers nearby, I'll definitely pay a visit tomorrow.

Thanks again!!!

Good luck! My problem is we have no place to store a turkey (fresh or frozen) for too long, so I'm going to have to come up with something either that day or the day before! It's just me and DH, so worst case scenario I'll just do a chicken.

Last year I did a frozen turkey crown. I just let it defrost for two days in the fridge. 

I was going to suggest the fridge as well.  Depending on the size, it may take 3-4 days.

If you have a butcher near you, you could ask if they can order you a fresh turkey or a turkey crown, which is basically a breast. That's a good choice if you're only going to have a few people over as it doesn't make a ton. 

I was going to say, I always get my turkey from a butcher in the market. He always asks me if it's for Thanksgiving, so there must be other Americans buying from him as well.

Only problem you may have is they might not be big enough at this time of year. I once wanted a fresh turkey big enough for 20 people which was very hard to get.

oh i'm only looking to feed 6 including myself and hubby....

and obviously have enoough for leftovers for a few days of yummy turkey sandwhiches!!!

Are you finding cranberries (frozen or fresh) anywhere?  I forgot to go hunting around the "big" Sainsbury's last week, but they don't seem to be in any of our local (and small) stores yet.

Actually, cranberries aren't a tradition at my Thanksgiving (they were when my Grandfather was alive).  So I haven't had to go searching for those yet...

I know a few people have suggested Waitrose for different items (like canned pumpkin).  We don't have one around here so I don't know (guess we're not posh enough ) .


ETA: omg, I just said posh.  And so let the English slang transformation begin....

Well, I live near Rusholme in Manchester, so there's a LOT of random shops, but we definitely don't have a Waitrose either!  I'll keep my eye out at Sainsbury's (and Lidl...they sometimes have random stuff, they have turkeys!)

Does your Lidl have fresh turkey??? If so I'm going to have to check mine out.


I don't know if your area has an outdoor market in Town Centre?... ours does and there is a few produce people there.  Something to check out....

They had fresh cranberries at Tesco the other day, but it was just a small box, not the big honking ones they haul out at Christmas.  So, I bet they sell out pretty quickly and then wait for more stock to slowly filter in. 

I'm getting our turkey from our local butcher, but it'll be a fresh, boneless butterflied turkey breast - about 6 kg (13+ pounds all meat).  I've already put in my order & I'll collect it on Fri Nov 27th, and cook it on the Sat.  We did the same last year (a little smaller) & it was fab!

I'm getting our turkey from our local butcher, but it'll be a fresh, boneless butterflied turkey breast - about 6 kg (13+ pounds all meat).  I've already put in my order & I'll collect it on Fri Nov 27th, and cook it on the Sat.  We did the same last year (a little smaller) & it was fab!

Will this make decent gravy? That's my main reservation for doing just a turkey breast and not a whole turkey. The gravy is imperative to the meal!