Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Hampton
- BRUSH ON A FLAVORFUL GLAZE
A simple glaze is another easy way to add flavor to the turkey with the added benefit of crispy skin in the process. Just apply the glaze to the turkey with a pastry brush before the turkey goes in the oven and again every thirty minutes until it's done. We're partial to flavors like cider, malt, apricot, just about any type of citrus, mustard, or slightly sweet molasses-soy.
- BASTE THE BIRD WITH MELTED BUTTER
Maybe you're not into the idea of a glaze, but still want to do something to keep things juicy while its in the oven. Applying a liberal coating of rendered natural juices with a turkey baster during the cooking process is fine and all, but brushing melted butter over the thing every thirty minutes while it cooks is even better.
- DRESS YOUR TURKEY IN BACON
Bacon fans rejoice—there's no need to go without it on Thanksgiving. Draping turkey in slices of uncooked, thick-cut bacon creates a crispy, flavorful crown (hat? skullcap? beanie?), and the constant flow of rendered fat helps keep the bird moist during the cooking process.
Garlic-Aioli Roasted Turkey with Lemon-Parsley Au JusPhoto by Tara Donne, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Cyd McDowell
- SLATHER IT IN MAYO
The easiest way to get that slight crispy, deeply-golden brown skin is simple: Crack open a jar of mayonnaise from the supermarket. Applying a thick layer of the creamy stuff right before the bird goes into the oven will ensure picture-perfect skin every time (make sure to hashtag your Instagrams #TurkeyTakeover). Even better: Use mayo that's been infused with roasted garlic.
- FRY THE BIRD
Never had fried turkey? It packs all the virtues of homemade fried chicken—crunchy fried exterior, juicy meat, wow factor for friends and family)—into a larger package.
Just be careful. This one can make your turkey literally explode.
