To stuff or not to stuff?

Food Network Fan · 11-18-2007, 11:48 AM

To stuff or not to stuff?
Sierra Star, CA - Nov 16, 2007
Step one, catch a turkey

Step two, grab an ax.
OK, the process is no longer that rustic for most American cooks, but the basics of the bird baking world can be daunting to those new to the fray.
Whether you plan to roast, microwave, grill, smoke or deep fry your turkey, safety is essential to keep you and your guests out of the emergency room.
Experts agree frequent hand washing, strict prevention of raw food cross-contamination, a good meat thermometer and an unstuffed bird are your best tools for a safe holiday dinner.
"I don't stuff my turkey anymore," said Penny Pie Jones food service director at Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District. "The conditions inside the bird make a great atmosphere for bacteria to grow while the outside of the turkey is cooking."
Rebecca Handley, former chef for Camp Sugar Pine and former food service director for Camp Oakhurst said she has cooked up to six turkeys at a time, and she sides with Alton Brown of the Food Network.
"Alton says 'Stuffing is evil,' and I have to agree with him," Handley said. "I cook my stuffing separate."
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Food Network Fan · 11-18-2007, 11:51 AM

My family has always stuffed the bird. My mom is making the turkey this year, so I guess we will be stuffed.

Lucy · 11-18-2007, 01:25 PM

We always stuff the turkey as well. In my family, we always have both bread stuffing and cornbread dressing. As much as I love dressing, I love the stuffing. My favorite part is the stuff that has fallen out of the bird and gets crunchy. Mmmm. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

BerryBaby · 11-18-2007, 01:35 PM

I do both as my husband likes it in the turkey and daughter likes it baked separate. Besides, the recipe I use for the stuffing/dressing makes plenty to do both.

One thing I do is put the stuffing that is going into the turkey in a separate bowl.
The going back and forth from the stuffing to touching the bird it could cause a problem with bacteria.

Food Network Fan · 11-18-2007, 01:50 PM

Yes mom always makes extra too, if you add too much liquid to the one you put in the bird it' can turn into soup if it soaks up the turkey juice too.

BerryBaby · 11-18-2007, 01:55 PM

I don't add any liquid to the stuffing inside the bird as the natural juices take care of it.

I do put broth in the casserole dressing...I can't wait until Thursday!

Making my pie maybe on Wednesday night. Although, I love smelling it baking in the morning, while I'm getting the turkey and dressing ready.

Oh, not I'm not sure which day I'll make it..decisions, decisions!

isilzha · 11-18-2007, 02:24 PM

When I was little and we used to have lots of people over for Thanksgiving she used to stuff the bird. Now we're a smaller family and she's just making a turkey breast or two. Someone else in the family is probably bringing the stuffing.

BerryBaby · 11-18-2007, 02:28 PM

During the year I will get the craving for turkey and make a turkey breast. I take the stuffing/dressing and place it in the pan first. Then I roast it with the turkey on top.
Really a treat!

Chefnot · 11-19-2007, 10:57 AM

We do both and I like both.

Callisto in NC · 11-19-2007, 02:09 PM

Alton can say stuffing is evil all he wants, he and my turkey are going to be full of it. My mother stuffed, her mother stuffed, I stuff. Alton can stuff it if he thinks he is going to convince me not to stuff my turkey.

Quote:

Rebecca Handley, former chef for Camp Sugar Pine and former food service director for Camp Oakhurst

Oh, yes, those are two of the country's top culinary institutes going. Yeah, sure. I've had camp food, it generally is unedible.