I’m planning my Thanksgiving menu and since I am working more hours this year, I know that I won’t have as much time to cook. So big news — I’ve hired out my sides and pies! This is big because not only do I love to cook, but I love my recipes. However, I’d rather trade the time and effort of cramming in the cooking for a leisure, relaxed holiday. There. I said it. And, I am happy.
However, Mr. Bee will still cook his turkey. And the recipe we love to use comes from my sweet friend and super talented hair stylist Mandy Hancock (who is a #bossbabe and owns a super chic salon called Prominence Parlor).
She shared her secret with me a few seasons ago and we never looked back on our turkey prep. It’s moist, flavorful and delish. Here’s her recipe:
Mandy’s Holiday Cheer Slow Roasted Turkey recipe!! 🤤
Rub some olive oil all over the bird, season generously with garlic salt and creole seasoning. Garlic cloves and Cheer Beer go in the cavity (fill til it starts to barely spill out). Roast it, breast up, at 500* for 20 min uncovered. After 20 min take out, turn bird breast down then cover tightly with foil and slow roast at 200* for 45 min per pound!!! Don’t expect to be able to slice it though, it will literally be falling off the bone!! Use the juices as brown gravy! Your house will smell soooo good all night and morning!!! I always take all the leftover juices, neck, giblets and carcass and boil it down to make make an insane broth too. OMG sooo good!
*do the math on how long your bird needs to cook first! Big birds can take a long time! I always do mine overnight so it’s perfect by Thanksgiving lunch at noon 🧡
**Shiner Holiday Cheer Beer packaging has changed from this photo but the beer itself is the same!
Now for the sides, my niece is making the mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Miss Bee put her foot down that she’s making Mother’s sweet potato delight, plus Dorcas Reilly’s famous green bean casserole. However, I am having my favorite place, Hurley House, make their cornbread dressing and cranberry relish. Oh, and I snagged a pan of her cinnamon rolls to eat while I watch the Macy’s Parade. Call 817.349.8934 to place your order.
On to the pies, I have ordered from my favorite pie gal, Lindsey Lawing of Sweet Lucy’s Pies. On my list are Pumpkin, Pecan, Chocolate Chess and Buttermilk. Dear Lordy, her pies are so good and frankly better than mine. Connect with her through Facebook to place your order.
I am so excited to delegate this out. It will be the first Thanksgiving Miss Bee is home from college and I want to spend as much time as possible hanging out with her. I’ll still allow myself the chance to set a stunning table, wash my crystal and shine the silver, but the time someone else is taking to make my meal perfection is a gift I plan to savor.
What’s something you can delegate this holiday?
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
