We currently have no snow on the ground and have been enjoying high temperatures in the 40s
You live so close to me, I can't believe this! We have had almost two feet of snow since the day before Thanksgiving, and temperatures as low as 6 degrees! How is that possible? We're usually warmer than you are, and with less snow.
I made my best ever turkey this year. I spatchcocked a 15 pounder, and brined it over night. Took 90 minutes to cook and it was really really good.
I loved those candles, but we burned ours. They are so cute.
I am in the northern part of Idaho. Where are you located?
I spatchcocked a turkey just once. It was delicious, but was also a lot of work and I haven't done it since.
It gets easier! The bird cooks reliably in far less time, and the breasts are juicy and tender. I will never cook a turkey any other way.
I finally figured out this year to put a small notch in the breast bone from the inside, after cutting out the backbone (with a strong knife - poultry scissors are not tough enough) and before pressing the bird open. I was able to do it this year simply by pressing down with my own hands. A snap! In years past, without the notch, I have had to use sledge hammers or to step on the bird while it is in a sink.
Oh boy! That produced great mental pictures! I actually purchased a garden shears to cut the one turkey I prepared that way, and they still live in my kitchen tools drawer, waiting for me to try again.
I prefer knives to butcher meats. Nice big hefty chef's knives do it well, when used in the right spots. Scissors, even ones intended for the job, just don't cut the mustard. I had a job butchering chicken during high school and I love doing it.
Oh I forgot to tell you that I was confusing you with another hive member who lives close to me. I am in upstate New York. We've had a ridiculous amount of snow already.