When is Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States? It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November of every year. On this day millions of Americans join family and friends to give thanks for what they have. Traditionally Thanksgiving was a way for people to thank God for the things that they had at the end of the harvest season. Today the celebration centers on a spectacular meal or dinner that typically features roasted turkey. Many people also go to parades that celebrate the holiday and attend or watch football games. In fact, turkey and football are mainstays in the Thanksgiving holiday tradition. Because Thanksgiving occurs on Thursday, Friday is usually included in the holiday, which gives people a four-day holiday weekend. This makes it possible for people to travel home or to other destinations to spend the day with loved ones.

Thanksgiving is synonymous with eating until one is as stuffed as the turkey was before it was devoured. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn and other fall vegetables, and pumpkin pie. There are a number of different Thanksgiving recipes to prepare these foods. For instance, turkey is usually baked in an oven; however, it can be fried, roasted, grilled, or smoked. Potatoes can be baked, roasted, made into a casserole, prepared with cheese, or made into a cold salad. Some people serve sweet potato pie instead of pumpkin pie, and pumpkin cheesecake is a twist on the traditional pumpkin pie. There are a myriad of Thanksgiving recipes that one could use to prepare a delectable and delightful Thanksgiving feast.

If you are considering preparing a more adventurous turkey listed below is one of the many Thanksgiving recipes for turkey.

Deep fried turkey is crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Special seasonings can really spice it up and give it pizzazz. To prepare a savory fried turkey you will need the following:

•Approximately 3 gallons of peanut or vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
•A 12 pound whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
•1/4 cup Creole seasoning
•1 white onion
•A large stockpot or turkey fryer
•A drain basket
•A large platter

The directions for cooking the turkey are as follows:

1.Place the oil in the stockpot or turkey fryer and heat it to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Do not over fill the pot with oil because when the turkey is placed in the pot the oil will spill over.

2.Rinse the turkey and thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels. Then rub the Creole seasoning over the turkey inside and out. The hole at the neck of the turkey should be at least 2 inches so oil can flow freely through the bird.

3.Place the whole onion and turkey in the drain basket neck first. Then slowly lower basket into hot oil so that the turkey is completely covered. The oil’s temperature should be kept at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

4.Cook the turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound or about 45 minutes for a 12-pound turkey.

5.Once the turkey has cooked, carefully remove the basket from the oil and drain the turkey. It is absolutely essential to fully cook the turkey to kill all germs that could cause illness. Therefore, after the turkey has been removed from the oil, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature must be at least 180 degrees F (80 degrees C).

6.Finish draining the turkey by placing it on a platter that includes a food safe material that will absorb the oil.

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for all of our blessings and for our loved ones. It is a day of caring and sharing. It is a day of reflection as well as a day of fun and celebration. Sharing a meal is one of the ways in which people celebrate and share with one another. Delectable Thanksgiving recipes can be used to prepare an unforgettable meal.