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Turkey Throwdown 2009 Menu
By Jeremy | November 27, 2009
I’m still digesting.
My brother-in-law Vinny took the challenge of Chez Del Rio’s first ever Turkey Throwdown. The rules: Each prepared a turkey, a second meat dish, a stuffing or dressing, a potato (him sweet, me white), and at least one veggie side dish. Between the two of us, there were 12 dishes (plus stuffed mushrooms and artichokes courtesy of Boom2) and enough leftovers to feed a small army — not to mention 20 satisfied (if gluttonous) family members.
What’s the secret to gastronomic greatness for culinary newbies? Allow ringers like Emeril Lagasse, Alex Guarnaschelli, Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentis, and Guy Fieri to compose the recipes. Tweak them liberally (but not too much), and soak up the adulation normally reserved for rock star chefs.
Here were my contributions to the party:
- Thanksgiving Turkey Brine (Alex Guarnischelli). The most moist turkey I have ever cooked. Unbelievable.
- Pork-Oulet (Guy Fieri). French cassoulet is traditionally made with duck, buy Guy Fieri has a killer pork and chicken version. Definitely a keeper!
- Emerilized Green Bean Casserole (Emeril Lagasse). Still marveling that I made Emeril’s cream of mushroom soup for use as an ingredient(!), and not as a featured course. Incredible.
- Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes (Giada De Laurentis). Simple, yet decadent twist on a Thanksgiving staple.
- Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnut and Pancheta (Giada De Laurentis). I substituted pecans and walnuts for chestnuts (mainly because I forgot to buy the chestnuts). Scrumptious.
- Wayne’s Cranberry Sauce (Paula Deen). As the only repeat recipe from past years (four and counting), this has become a Thanksgiving staple for us. But yesterday was my first time adding the Grand Marnier, and wow – consider me addicted.
- Cranberry Pear Relish (Food Network Kitchens). VERY tart. Yummy, but too tart for most of the pallets at my house.
Vinny added a garlic-butter turkey, cherry and pineapple glazed ham, sausage and apple stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, and fried broccoli. Titi TaiTai (red velvet cake and cheesecake) and Grandma (brownies) brought desserts and beverages. Tara and Will drove all night with Willie and Amber to serve as guest judges.
Amazing day all around. Boom2 called it the best Thanksgiving meal she’s ever had (but I think she said that last year too).
Special thanks to my tireless wife, who was the hostess with the mostest and made our two-bedroom apartment accommodate 20 people (including seven kids) comfortably.
Oh yeah, about that Throwdown. It was officially a draw. Vinny and I can’t wait for the rematch.
Topics: Alex Guarnaschelli, Emeril Lagasse, Giada De Laurentis, Guy Fieri, Paula Deen, cooking, family, food, food network, holidays, thanksgiving, throwdown | No Comments »