(NewsUSA) – Nearly 70 million turkeys are consumed throughout the country during the winter holiday season, estimates the National Turkey Federation. Given the leading role that turkey plays in holiday meals each year, home cooks are always looking for new ways to spice up their turkey preparation to impress their holiday guests, while still having time to enjoy family festivities. Originating in the southern states, but quickly spreading across the country, is the trend toward making quick and tasty holiday meals by deep-frying holiday birds in peanut oil.
Fried turkey is a Cajun tradition that has increased in popularity because of its rich, juicy flavor. A deep-fried turkey has a golden brown, crispy exterior, while the interior remains juicy and tender. The natural juices are sealed in without leaving a greasy or oily aftertaste. Frying your turkey also takes less time, about an hour, so you’ll have more time to spend with your friends and family outside of the kitchen.
“Frying your turkey is a wonderful way to spice up your traditional turkey dinner and create a delicious meal for family and friends without devoting hours to preparation,” said John McLemore, president of Masterbuilt and a turkey-frying expert.
His secret is frying with pure peanut oil, which he uses with his favorite recipe and top-quality Masterbuilt Electric Turkey Fryer. Crisco® Pure Peanut Oil contains zero grams of trans fat per serving and is a cholesterol and sodium-free food. In addition to fried turkey, use Crisco Pure Peanut Oil to make great side dishes like French fries, tempura vegetables and even peach pie.
The makers of Crisco Pure Peanut Oil created this Succulent Deep-Fried Turkey recipe for you to try this holiday season.
Succulent Deep-Fried Turkey
1 10-12 pound turkey, completely thawed
3 gallons Crisco® Pure Peanut
Oil for frying
Rub
Crisco® No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Spice Injection Mixture
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Several dashes hot pepper sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pat turkey dry with paper towels; coat completely with no-stick cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine rub ingredients; rub over turkey.
In a small saucepan, combine spice injection mixture ingredients; cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted. Let cool to barely warm. With a spice injector, inject the mixture into several spots on both sides of the turkey breast and thighs, making sure not to inject too much into any one spot. Tie the turkey legs together. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Pour peanut oil into deep fryer; heat to 375º F. Fry according to fryer manufacturer’s directions. ©/® The J.M. Smucker Company.
For more recipe ideas, visit www.crisco.com