Mom’s Money

Two Birds Are Better Than One

As far back as I can remember, my Mom always made one huge turkey for Thanksgiving. It was always glorious and beautiful, but we had a big family which means we battled over the two drumsticks.  After we got older, my Mom started making two smaller turkeys.  Pure genius!  If you haven’t already bought your turkey, consider trying this technique.

Besides having four drumsticks, which is very fun, the smaller birds are usually a bit more tender.  Having double the options for everyone’s favorite cut of meat is a great benefit, yes, but not the only one.  You can also make two different types of stuffing to really surprise and please your guests.  If you have a big table, or two tables, you can grace each with their very own beautiful turkey.  Oh, the reasons for cooking two birds are countless. 

One of my favorite reasons for cooking two turkeys is the frugality.  You’ve got the oven heating anyway, why not make extra food?  Sure, you’ll have more leftover turkey, but do you ever hear anyone complaining?  I’m also a big fan of simmering the turkey bones, skin, and drippings to make a hearty soup stock, and now you have two carcasses!  That’s just fabulous as far as I’m concerned.

If you’ve already got your turkey for Thanksgiving this year, give some thought to fixing two smaller turkeys for Christmas, or anytime.  Our family always comments after Thanksgiving dinner that we should have turkey more often.  Well, why wait?  Turkey’s good anytime of the year.  Try roasting two at a time and see if you don’t get hooked just like me.