Recipe of the Week: Turkey and Gravy
November 14, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Kids in the Kitchen
By Alison Needham
Nov. 14, 2009
I’m always on the quest for the perfect bird. Consequently, I’ve roasted turkeys in more ways than you can imagine. But in recent years, I’ve settled on a method that is easier than brining (which imparts great flavor but takes up so much room) and produces fantastic results. Though it seems like an excessive amount of salt, the meat becomes perfectly seasoned within, and any excess is pushed back to the surface and wiped away before roasting.
Hands-On Time: 20 minutes
Ready In: 3 days, plus roasting time
Yield: 10-12 servings
Ingredients
1 16-20 pound fresh, free-range turkey
1 tablespoon salt per every five pounds
1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
grated zest from one orange
1 stick of butter, softened
Directions
Rinse turkey and remove giblet bag (usually in the neck cavity) and neck (usually in the main cavity). Pat dry. Mix salt with herbs and zest and rub liberally on breast, then flip turkey and rub salt over thighs and back. Save some to sprinkle inside the turkey too.
Place turkey in a large turkey-sized roasting bag and tie shut. Must be done at least 24 hours in advance, and up to 3 days in advance. Every 12 hours or so massage salt into skin.
When you remove turkey from bag, the salt and seasonings should be absorbed into the flesh. If you have time, let turkey air dry, uncovered, in your fridge for 8 hours, then let sit at room temp for at least an hour before roasting. Tuck the wing tips behind the neck cavity. Secure the skin from the neck flap to the back of the turkey with toothpicks.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Pat turkey dry, rub entire surface of the turkey with softened butter, and place breast down on a rack in a large roasting pan and place on the lower oven rack. Baste with drippings often. Turkey should roast for 4-5 hours. After 3 hours, turn turkey breast side up and insert a thermometer in the crease between the breast and thigh, making sure not to touch any bones. Continue to baste with the drippings. When the turkey registers 170 degrees in each thigh crease, remove from oven, remove turkey to a carving board, and cover with foil and allow resting for up to 30 minutes. Make gravy. Carve and serve immediately.
While turkey is roasting, make turkey broth. Brown turkey neck in some butter in a large saucepan. Add one chopped onion, one chopped stalk of celery, 1 chopped carrot, 3 peppercorns and 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Cover partially, and simmer for at least one hour. Strain and set aside.
*Ingredient Tips
Avoid kosher turkeys when dry brining, because they are already salted during processing. It’s best to bake the stuffing alongside the bird, so that it doesn’t become overly salty.
Perfect Gravy
Hands-On Time: 5 minutes
Ready In: 15 minutes
Yield: about 3 cups of gravy
Ingredients
1/2 cup dry white wine (or turkey stock)
Drippings from turkey
¼ cup flour, whisked into 1 cup of turkey stock until smooth
2 cups turkey stock
Salt and pepper
Directions
Pour off all the turkey drippings into a fat separator if you have one or a large glass measuring cup if you don’t. Place roasting pan over two burners on the stove. There should still be some brown bits clinging to the pan.
Turn heat to medium, and then pour in wine, scraping up all those brown bits. Pour off all but a few tablespoons of fat from the drippings and return drippings to the pan.
Add flour/stock mixture and stir constantly until gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Add more turkey stock to thin gravy as necessary, turn burners to low, and continue to stir occasionally until you are ready to pour into a serving vessel.
Taste for seasonings. You probably won’t need to add salt, but a good pinch of pepper will be necessary.
Source: Family
Editor’s Note: If you have a recipe that you would like to share with our readers? You can send it to dan@youngchronicle.com
God’s Cover Letter
November 14, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Nov. 13, 2009
Do you know what “Joylogy” means? It is the study of caring, sharing, and listening and Sacrifice.
This was written by Mr. Jeineke in 1975
We would like to know what you think: dan@youngchronicle.com
What is a Joyologist? A joyologist then would be one who studies joy logy. Frankly our world could use a great many joyologists whose mission in life is to actively research the effects of discussing and sharing joy. The research could branch out into how joy affects our careers, family lives, and friendships. The very act of doing the active research should spread jubilation throughout the world and bring about positive results. What a fun job!
All one needs to start with is to share the words joyism, joylogy, and joyologis with others. Use the words daily and make them a part of the world’s vocabulary.
The upcoming year is going to challenge us all. Here is something we need to think, this is from an unknown reader. It is called: God’s Cover Letter
By Unknown
To Whom It May Concern:
I heard you were considering a new manager in your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the most qualified candidate. I am the only one that has even done this job successfully.
I was the first manager of human beings. In fact I made them, so naturally I know how humanity works, and what is best to get people back into proper working condition. It will be like having the manufacturer as your personal mechanic.
If this is your first time considering me, I would just like to point out that my salary has already been paid by the blood of my son, Jesus on the cross of Calvary. What I need from you is the acknowledgment that the price is sufficient to pay for all of your sin and your independence from me. I need you to believe this in your heart and to tell somebody else about your decision with your mouth.
The next thing I ask is the right to change and fix your life so you can learn how to stay close to me. I will make some major changes and revisions. They are not for you to worry about. I need your permission to execute these changes, my way and in my time. I will change your desires and give you the strength to make the changes.
Please keep your hands out of the way. Don’t try to help me and don’t resist me. I really do need your full commitment and cooperation. If you give me those, the process can go smoothly, without delays.
Yours Sincerely,
GOD
P.S. I created the heavens and the earth. I AM. BELOW IS MY RESUME…
GOD
Everywhere
All over, Every Place 00000
Phone: (123) 456-PRAY
EXPERIENCE
From the beginning of time. Before the beginning of time. From everlasting to everlasting. I made time.
ABILITY
All Powerful
PRIOR EMPLOYMENT
*Created the universe, put the galaxies in place, formed man.
*Established heaven and earth by my spoken Word and am currently holding up the world by my power.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
*I AM and I have all knowledge.
CHARACTER REFERENCE
Love, light, and life (1John 4:16, 1John 1:5, John 14:6).
A representative, but by no means conclusive list of other character traits follows:
- Wisdom – James 1:5
- Comfort – 2 Corinthians 1:3
- Truth – John 8:32
- Healer – 1 Peter 2:24
- Strength – Phil. 4:13
- Forgiveness – 1John 1:9
- Provider – Phil. 4:19
- Mercy – Ephesians 2:24
- Good – Matt. 19:17
- Peace – Romans 14:17
AVAILABILITY
- Willing and ready to take over your life.
- Able to put your life together again.
- Will bring all of who I AM into your life.
- Can start now.
- Will transform your life if you let me.
SALARY REQUIREMENT
- Work in your life has already been paid for through the blood of My Son, Jesus.
- Your only responsibility is to commit initially and on a daily basis.
- To trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants to do in your life.
Other references available upon request.
Source: Joyology
School Kids Honor Veterans at Winterville Service
By Allison Floyd
Nov. 10, 2009
WINTERVILLE – Veterans don’t always want to share their stories about the horrors of war, retired Marines Corps officer Ray Fairman told a crowd gathered Saturday to honor America’s heroes. And when they do open up about what they saw on the battlefield or in the operating room, it’s to other veterans or military doctors.
But the men and women who fought in Europe and the Pacific, Korea and Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan to preserve American freedom should tell their stories to their families, Fairman said.
That’s the only way the next generation will understand why we have our traditions and what they mean, he said.
“We’ve done so much to our history, rewritten our history,” Fairman said. Decoration Day (originally held to honor Union soldiers) became Memorial Day in honor of all fallen soldiers. Armistice Day (celebrating the end of WWI) has become Veterans Day, which is celebrated this Wednesday.
“If the youth of today don’t become the leaders of tomorrow, this country will fade away. We can’t pick up at 50, 60, 70 years old and carry on these traditions,” he said.
About 175 people turned out to Pittard Park for the fourth annual Thanks for Our Freedom ceremony and barbecue.
This year, instead of inviting a guest speaker, organizers asked school children from Clarke, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties to come to the service and say a few words.
Most thanked the veterans in the crowd for the freedom they enjoy; many thanked specific service members – fathers who fought in Vietnam, grandfathers who fought in Korea or WWII, brothers currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Kentavious Patman, at the event with his twin sister, Shuntavious, thanked their father, who is an orthodontist in the United States, but currently is deployed with the Army Reserves to Afghanistan as a medic.
Both Kentavious and Shuntavious, students at Coile Middle School, aspire to some sort of medical profession because of the example set by their father, Kentrell Patman, Kentavious said.
While the twins thought of their father, other kids and teens at the ceremony marveled that they’ll never know the vast majority of the veterans who fought for them.
“You do this incredibly important duty for people you don’t even know,” said Lizzy Reese, who was crowned Junior Miss Marigold at this year’s Winterville Marigold Festival.
Miss Marigold Grace Williamson agreed.
“It’s hard for me to picture myself packing up and leaving my family to serve a country of strangers,” she said.
Before settling in for a tangible thank you – free lunch – Fairman again encouraged veterans to talk and the next generation to listen.
“Do we pass on our history and stories? Do we pass on what it really means to be an American?” Fairman asked. A veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm, he finds it easier to talk to other veterans or law officers than to share with loved ones, he said.
“If I isolate my family, if I don’t pass on what’s happened to me, my experience dies with me.”
Source: On Line Athens
Editor’s Note: Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday, November 08, 2009.
Cody McClain, a junior from Oglethorpe County High School, speaks to veterans and their families at the Veteran’s Appreciation Day celebration Saturday at Pittard Park in Winterville. Photo by Kelly Wegal.
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Celebrate Veterans Day
November 11, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Military.com
Nov. 11, 2009
Veterans Day is a great time to educate your children about the history of this holiday and the sacrifice and dedication of our U.S. veterans. So, how do you celebrate this holiday in a creative and constructive way with your children?
How to Teach Kids about Veterans Day
Here are a few ideas, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs and EducationWorld.com:
1. Teach your children about the history of Veterans Day by having them create a time line of events leading to the observance of the holiday.
2. Have your kids write short articles or essays of how veterans are honored around the world. And if you know any veterans locally, propose that your kids interview them about what it’s like to serve in the U.S. military.
3. Research how American veterans were treated after they returned from various military conflicts, ranging from the French and Indian War to the Persian Gulf War. Ask your children to compare and contrast their findings. Also compare and contrast how women and minorities who served in those conflicts were treated.
4. Have children draw a picture of Veterans Day, and what this holiday means to them. Military children can draw a picture of a parent who is currently deployed, or a relative who has served.
5. Make a thank you card for veterans. Children can give this card to veterans that they know or to veterans who are listed through the local VA medical facility.
6. Ask your children’s teacher to invite veterans to their classroom. Veterans can discuss what it’s like to serve in the military, and how important it is to observe this holiday.
7. Have your kids make a colorful and fun poster with the names and pictures of relatives who are veterans.
There are a variety of ways to celebrate Veterans Day with your children. And teaching children about the significance of this holiday will help give them a deep appreciation of our nation’s service members and veterans.
Veterans Day Teacher Resource Guide
With Veterans Day less than 45 days away, the time is right for planning classroom activities. The Veterans Day Teacher Resource Guide contains information to help students gain an understanding of the origins of Veterans Day and why America celebrates it each November 11. It includes suggestions for a Veterans Day ceremony and classroom activities for both younger and older students. Download a copy of the Resource Guide or Veterans Day poster.
Source: US Military
Just Passing Through
November 6, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
by Jim Liebelt
GCC/Staff
Nov. 6, 2009
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. -Psalm 33:11
Did you know that this year worldwide, it’s estimated that over 57 million people will die? We hear, read or see a lot about deaths due to violence, war, disease and accidents. Yet, it amazes me to consider just how many people die of all causes.
There’s just no escaping the fact that everyone dies sooner or later from one cause or another. It’s a good reminder of just how fleeting our lives are.
For me, time seems to be moving faster and faster the older I get and it is strange to think that based on an average lifespan, I have fewer ticks of the clock left than those that have already gone by. I’m also reminded, however, that our time on earth is not the entire story.
God’s story-His plan for the world-is continually unfolding. And, everyone has a role to play.
Make no mistake about it: You are part of God’s story! God has chosen that people be given temporary charge of the planet.
Further, Christ-followers are given temporary charge as God’s ambassadors-His personal representatives to be His messengers to enlarge His place in the hearts and minds of people. With these “charges” also come responsibility and accountability.
According to the Scriptures, there really will be a judgment day where we will have to give an account for our stewardship.
In a world of 6.8 billion people, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that in God’s story, every person matters. You may feel sometimes like just another lemming in the crowd on the way to the end of the cliff! But, I believe that what God said to Jeremiah applies to each person, “before you were born, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5).
In God’s story, you matter! We may not be able to see beyond the current chapter of how our lives play out in His story. But as Christ-followers, I do know this:
Our most important tasks involve doing the necessary things that lead to growth in our relationship with Jesus so that we may in ever-increasing fashion reflect Jesus in all we do.
In this way, we pass on this unfolding story of what God has done and what He is doing in the world to following generations. Then, at the end of our days, we can rest assured that we have kept God’s story moving along.
Source: Home Word
Editor’s Note: We would like to hear from you. Do you have a favorite one that you would like to share with our readers? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com
Who Were Our Presidents? Part 14
By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Nov. 5, 2009
Editor’s Note: How many of us along with our children? Know who our Presidents were and what they have done in Office.
Each week we will pick a President and tell you about them and their Accomplishes.
We hope that you will enjoy this series. And let us know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com
14. Franklin Pierce 1853-1857
Franklin Pierce became President at a time of apparent tranquility. The United States, by virtue of the Compromise of 1850, seemed to have weathered its sectional storm. By pursuing the recommendations of southern advisers, Pierce–a New Englander–hoped to prevent still another outbreak of that storm. But his policies, far from preserving calm, hastened the disruption of the Union.
Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804, Pierce attended Bowdoin College. After graduation he studied law, then entered politics. At 24 he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature; two years later he became its Speaker. During the 1830’s he went to Washington, first as a Representative, then as a Senator.
Pierce, after serving in the Mexican War, was proposed by New Hampshire friends for the Presidential nomination in 1852. At the Democratic Convention, the delegates agreed easily enough upon a platform pledging undeviating support of the Compromise of 1850 and hostility to any efforts to agitate the slavery question. But they balloted 48 times and eliminated all the well-known candidates before nominating Pierce, a true “dark horse.”
Probably because the Democrats stood more firmly for the Compromise than the Whigs, and because Whig candidate Gen. Winfield Scott was suspect in the South, Pierce won with a narrow margin of popular votes.
Two months before he took office, he and his wife saw their eleven-year-old son killed when their train was wrecked. Grief-stricken, Pierce entered the Presidency nervously exhausted.
In his Inaugural he proclaimed an era of peace and prosperity at home, and vigor in relations with other nations. The United States might have to acquire additional possessions for the sake of its own security, he pointed out, and would not be deterred by “any timid forebodings of evil.”
Pierce had only to make gestures toward expansion to excite the wrath of northerners, who accused him of acting as a cat’s-paw of Southerners eager to extend slavery into other areas. Therefore he aroused apprehension when he pressured Great Britain to relinquish its special interests along part of the Central American coast, and even more when he tried to persuade Spain to sell Cuba.
But the most violent renewal of the storm stemmed from the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which repealed the Missouri Compromise and reopened the question of slavery in the West. This measure, the handiwork of Senator Stephen A. Douglas, grew in part out of his desire to promote a railroad from Chicago to California through Nebraska. Already Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, advocate of a southern transcontinental route, had persuaded Pierce to send James Gadsden to Mexico to buy land for a southern railroad. He purchased the area now comprising southern Arizona and part of southern New Mexico for $10,000,000.
Douglas’s proposal, to organize western territories through which a railroad might run, caused extreme trouble. Douglas provided in his bills that the residents of the new territories could decide the slavery question for themselves. The result was a rush into Kansas, as southerners and northerners vied for control of the territory. Shooting broke out, and “bleeding Kansas” became a prelude to the Civil War.
By the end of his administration, Pierce could claim “a peaceful condition of things in Kansas.” But, to his disappointment, the Democrats refused to renominate him, turning to the less controversial Buchanan. Pierce returned to New Hampshire, leaving his successor to face the rising fury of the sectional whirlwind. He died in 1869.
Learn more about Franklin Pierce ’s spouse, Jane Means Appleton Pierce.
Source: White House
Editor’s Note: Todays’ homework: We would like to know some of President Franklin Pierce’s accomplishments as President.
If you can give us some, you can win a prize. You can contact us at dan@youngchronicle.com