I’ve been having some publishing issues on the blog lately, so I’ve been updating the main CheapCooking.com site in the meantime. Here’s an update for you blog readers.

First, I did a practice run on a small (12 pound) turkey last weekend, using a new (to me) recipe that called for soaking cheesecloth in a wine and butter concoction, draping it on the turkey, and roasting the turkey with the cheesecloth on until the final hour, with frequent basting. This turkey recipe is a winner! Everything about it was good, although the frequent basting is a pain. But if you’re going to be puttering in the kitchen anyway, this turned out a fantastic bird.

Then I pulled up last year’s experimental turkey recipe, easier with smaller birds for sure. Start the bird out breast side down, then turn on its side, then on the other side, and finish off breast side up.

My sister’s favorite recipe calls for tenting the bird in foil, being careful not to let the foil touch the bird. It also came out delicious two years in a row. I’ll have to go dig up the details on that one but don’t have them handy.

In addition to your turkey, you’ll be looking to make gravy as well of course.

Remember you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in a buttered crockpot.

A great side dish is roasted root vegetables. Also, a sweet potato streusel was a big hit here 2 years ago, although I’m going to be halving the recipe this year to make room for something new.

And when you’re looking for ideas on how to use up that leftover turkey, here a few turkey recipes to get you started:

• Turkey soup
• Turkey sandwich spread
• Turkey casserole
• Shepherd’s pie with turkey
• Turkey skillet dinner
• Turkey hash