I know that there are still 7 weeks to go, but I thought I'd preempt a 'Bird Flu' shortage, and buy my (frozen) Turkey in advance.
As you can probably see, it's just under 4 kilos, will feed up to ten people, and it's a Free Range Bronze turkey; just the type I like.
I think we'll be SIX for Christmas Dinner this year, so this will be perfect; with plenty left over for curry, sandwiches, and stock. A good sensibly sized bird.
I can remember my mother once buying a 27 lb bird that was so big it wouldn't fit into our oven; she had to cut its back off. I don't see any point in huge birds; three days of Turkey is enough for anyone.
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the Turkey, roast Spuds, and a few Sprouts. The wonderful aroma of a roasting Turkey accompanying our present opening, takes me back to my earliest Christmas memories, and has remained the same ever since.
My Sainsbury's Loyalty card (Nectar) had amassed £25, and the bird cost exactly £25. In my book that's a free lunch. Thank you Mr Sainsbury; we shall eat/drink to your health on the big day!
p.s. I notice that Christmas adverts have started appearing on TV; far too early! Despite my recent purchase above, I think all commercialisation of Christmas should be banned until at the earliest, Dec' 15th.
I can't remember the last time I ate turkey.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember a Christmas when I didn't!
DeleteThe turkey is your Xmas present from Mr Sainsbury. How long did it take you to amass that amount? It does pay, in the end, to be a faithful customer. Grab any perks you can!!
ReplyDeleteWe used to buy frozen French turkeys with a pop up thermometer. Now I just buy a large chook. The grandchildren prefer it and there's always roast pork at the other end of the table.
I wonder how many grandchildren will be home this Xmas. They've mostly flown the coup but do return for a family Xmas. Usually. Maybe they'll bring 'friends' this year.
It's far too early to even think about it although I did buy some presents yesterday. I too agree that 15th December is about the right time to consider plans for the day and put up decorations. Others do not agree at all and are already pressing for details
I think the £25 has been amassed over a whole year; I spent the last lot on last year's Turkey. I think the best Turkeys we've ever had were small French free range ones. They don't sell many, as the French prefer 'Capons'.
DeleteThe last time I HAD to cook one was Xmas 03 while Mum was still alive. Since then we have had venison stew each year. However, on Boxing Day cold meat (possibly including turkey) bought from the supermarket has been eaten with Bubble and Squeak.
ReplyDeleteI can remember having a Goose in France back in about 1975, and when Lady M poured-off the excessive fat into a glass bowl it cracked and all the fat went over the kitchen floor. That was FUN!
DeleteOh yes, those memories of childhood Christmas mornings, unwrapping a pile of presents with the aroma of roasting turkey wafting through from the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThese days we are usually away over the festive period so Christmas dinner could be anything!
Christmas is sacred in this house. Lady M did go to Oz one Christmas, and I was left alone to eat a very boring lunch by myself. I love Christmas, but hate all the nonsense leading-up to it.
DeleteOooo! A black turkey [now called bronze because it sells better] once only available from the butcher.... my favourite eat because the meat tastes much better.... and seems moister.
ReplyDeleteFar nicer that the Bernard "Beautiful" Matthews white variety with pale, white dry breast meat.
Enjoy!!
I also hate all the commercialisation surrounding the 25th... in fact, I used to leave my present buying until the last minute of the 23rd/24th.... and I chose presents on Gut Feelings alone... no heavy pondering.... and always something that could be well used!!
I tend to buy consumable gifts. Once eaten or drunk they disappear; unlike that dreadful scarf from Aunty Maud that sits at the back of a cupboard until you eventually give it to Oxfam.
DeleteChristmas is family, all the other stuff is just profit making.
ReplyDeleteAnd we all contribute, even if we try not to.
DeleteThat turkey is an odd purply colour - like the skins of red onions. I prefer turkeys to be the traditional and familiar off-white colour.
ReplyDeleteThat's just a bit of mold, it can easily be scraped off.
DeleteI like Turkey and eat it several times a year. For us it is not an “only at Christmas” food.
ReplyDeleteMy revelation was the first time I brined a turkey and then cooked it on the BBQ. A brined turkey is a wonderful thing.
I have heard of that, but have never tried it. I'm a 'pop it in the oven' person. We usually have one bird for Christmas, and another for Easter.
DeleteHighly recommend brining it, makes the bird much juicier and you can add flavouring to the brine (spice, herbs, soy sauce etc etc)
DeleteI rather like the “nonsense” in the build up. A Christmas Fair here, a Christmas concert there. Have entered the ballot for Nine lessons and Carols from Kings again this year. Last year I told a friend about it…they got tickets and I didnt.
I ALWAYS watch it on TV. It's one of the highlights of the season.
DeleteThe one on TV, is, I believe recorded, the one on Xmas Eve is broadcast on Radio 4 - which is probably how I will listen to it
DeleteIt should be a nice bird, and a nice family gathering.
ReplyDeleteIt's the type I like, and the right size. I'll let you know on Dec' 26th.
DeleteFree Christmas turkey, now that's a first. Our US grocery stores do not offer points/credits to buy future products.
ReplyDeleteI also love Christmas and all the traditions that go with it. Your family dinner will be festive.
We have a very traditional Christmas. Nothing changes, it's always good, and everyone enjoys themselves. What more could you ask!
Delete2026 wow that is one long lasting turkey!
ReplyDeleteMore like the BBE date you'd find on salt.
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