Turkey Queries? Try These Chefs
Let’s face it: Sooner or later, you’re going to have to start planning that Thanksgiving menu.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could just call up a professional chef and have them do the thinking for you?
Well, now you can, sort of. Shady Brook Farms’ toll-free Dial-A-Chef holiday hotline has recorded messages from nine leading American chefs about everything from marinades and ethnic touches for turkey to side dish and leftover suggestions.
For example, a few chefs recommend roasting the turkey breast-side down - the opposite of the common wisdom - to keep the meat moist and juicy.
The information is available 24 hours a day by calling (888) 723-4468.
Bird-free
If you’d just as soon skip the planning - not to mention the turkey - treat yourself to the Thanksgiving vegetarian banquet being offered by EarthSave Spokane on Nov. 23 at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
The bird will be replaced by a tofu turkey roll. The rest of the menu features traditional holiday dishes, such as sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy and pie, but made vegan, without any animal products (including dairy and eggs).
Cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children 4-12 (under 3 admitted free). Reservation deadline is Sunday; call 534-8273.
Right stuffing
Four out of 10 Thanksgiving cooks add special ingredients to personalize their stuffing, according to a Pepperidge Farm survey. And a creative stuffing touch could win you free round-trip airfare for up to four people for a family holiday reunion.
Just write down your two secret stuffing ingredients (besides butter, water or chicken broth) and send with your name, address and daytime telephone number to Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Contest, P.O. Box 1130, Boston, MA 02117.
Entries must be received by Nov. 30; the winner will be notified in early December. Along with airfare, the prize package includes a three-night hotel stay and all the fixings for a traditional family feast.
You’re welcome
If “giving” is the key part of your Thanksgiving, there’s a contest for you, too.
French’s French Fried Onions is seeking essays of 100 words or less describing how people make Thanksgiving special for others. Fifteen winners will receive food gift baskets.
Entries must be received by Dec. 10. Send essays, along with name, address and telephone number and a photograph if available, to “Make Someone’s Day” Thanksgiving Contest, 411 Park St., Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.
, DataTimes MEMO: We’re always looking for fresh food news. Write to: The Fresh Sheet, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Call 459-5446; fax 459-5098.