"turkey" news and stories

Corn dogs are one of those amusement park goodies I crave, smelling the combo of meat against a hot corn filling, with juicy meat on a stick -- all pretty irresistible by anyone's standards. Apparently, the corn dog has been around longer than I suspected, dating back to 1947 and now there's even a National Corndog Day. I've tried making them at home, and have seen and tested many corn dog recipes that aren't deep-fried.

Unfortunately they haven't come out close to the flavor of the real deal and are a mess to make. So I created these golden corn-dog muffins. It's a cutie -- a bite-sized snack that uses the same flavors in a corn dog minus the stick. The recipe also swaps in turkey dogs for beef dogs to lower the fat and calories in this addictive snack.

Turkey dogs rock -- they taste great, are very low in calories (45 to 80 calories a pop depending on the brand) and 10 to 15 grams lower in fat compared to the beef ones. They are just as high in protein and garlicky flavor, and most kids don't even notice the difference.

• After stints in San Francisco and Las Vegas, Omaha native Chef Travis Brink, returns to his old stomping grounds and takes over the kitchen at Omaha's French Café & Bistro.
• Mashed potatoes are meant to be made with cream and butter -- and no substitutes!
• Calls made to those turkey hotlines are just as strange as you might imagine.
• La Buvette Wine & Grocery has always been known as a place to drink, but now it's a place to eat (well) as well.
• A new 12,000-square-foot wine, beer, spirits and gourmet grocery store will open in Omaha right before Christmas.

On Thanksgiving, it's easy to overlook the main event for all the delicious sides. But with a turkey like this one, it's hard to deny the glory of such a proud bird.

Though many lust after a particular side dish, a turkey this juicy and golden reigns over any Thanksgiving table. As first-time Thanksgiving hosts know, it can be both the centerpiece and the biggest concern. (Ever see the deflated bird in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? If only the Griswolds had tried our brine recipe.) Nonetheless, Flickr user Coconut Recipe's perfectly roasted example is an inspiration.



Become a member of the Slashfood Flickr pool to get a shot at having your photos featured in Feast Your Eyes.

• Simple tips for a hassle-free Thanksgiving.
• Compound butters pack an amazing punch.
• A pre-roasting milk bath is a good alternative to salt-brining your holiday bird.
• But don't forget the gravy.
• Here's an American culinary tradition you've probably never heard of: tomato pudding.
• Cranberries are good for the adult kind of "sauce" too.
• Should you have a catastrophe on the big day, try one of these turkey hotlines.
• Add a Thai twist to turkey leftovers.

• Contrary to popular belief, Champagne prices are apparently dropping; here's how to buy.
• If beer is more your style, here are some suggestions for what to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner.
• And turkey basics from the USDA allow for more drink and less think next Thursday.
• A columnist offers three steps to "fool-proof" gravy.
• Local chefs share their favorite Thanksgiving recipes.
• The Pacific Northwest Cheese Project, a blog about local cheeses, is now a book.
• The Thomas Street Bistro runs more like a dinner party than a restaurant.