Big cheer for Deborah R., whose Thanksgiving disaster story took top prize in our oil-free turkey fryer giveaway. Many fantastic entries made this a difficult decision (we were surprised to hear about how many turkeys are set on fire every year!), but we just couldn't get Deborah's special basting oil story out of our heads. Here is her post, below. Deborah says she'll use the oil-free fryer at Christmas dinner—we can't wait to hear how it works out.
From: Deborah R
I come from a large family, my father has 3 sisters and I am the oldest of 12 cousins...my Nana was the matriarch of our family (and my best friend). About 20 years ago, my Nana at the time was living on her own in an apartment, we all gathered for our annual Thanksgiving feast at her place. This was the first time I can remember she hosting this dinner (typically one of her children had the occasion). Nana was so excited to have us all in her small apartment for Thanksgiving dinner, all set up aound folding tables and folding chairs. She put the bird in the oven very early as was the family tradition....when it was finally done and on the table an odd taste was detected....After investigating her cooking preparation and methods my aunts discovered Nana had been basting the turkey using Lemon Furniture Polish Oil!!! Sadly Nana is not with us anymore - but not a Thanksgiving goes by that we do not think about and LAUGH out loud about the Lemon Oil Turkey!
From: Jeanine S. | 11/30/10 at 5:05 pm
Ah yes, reminds me of the time I was sauteeing chicken, and instead of adding a little more EVOO, I added a little dishwashing liquid - and I could not for the life of me figure out why there were suds in the pan!
From: Trish | 12/1/10 at 9:08 am
Deborah R's story was very funny - I mean I laughed out loud! No disasters in my family so far, knock on wood. I too can't wait to hear how the oil-free fryer meal turns out.