Happy Thanksgiving
Maine Turkey Cooking Tips – Roasting a Turkey New England Style
Long a holiday that has special meaning for families, Thanksgiving originally started as a religious holiday but has long since morphed into a predominantly secular holiday. However, there are always a handful of traditions assigned to Thanksgiving – pumpkin pie, football games, and a delectable roasted turkey. Read our Maine Turkey Roasting Tips or visit a suggested Maine restaurant to enjoy Thanksgiving Day in Maine. Ask us about Maine or share your comments. To feature your business in Maine’s Internet Magazine, contact us.
Maine Turkey Roasting Recipe
Maine Diner, 2265 Post Road (US Route 1), Wells, ME 04090 | 207-646-4441
World Famous Food Like Grandma Used To Make. Featured on "The Today Show", Phantom Gourmet, Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and others. Maine blueberry pancakes, pies, lunch and dinner specials and more. Try Maine Diner's famous Lobster Pie, Seafood Chowder, Codfish Cakes. Breakfast anytime. Remember the Maine Gift Shoppe, Maine Products. Eat-In or Take-Out. View menus online.
Maine Diner - Wells, Maine
The Blue Bistro at Beachmere Inn, 62 Beachmere Place, Ogunquit, ME 03907 | 207-646-2021
Blue Bistro offers a relaxed setting for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Enjoy an ocean view with your fresh Maine Lobster Benedict in the morning. After a day at the beach, join us for a delicious Filet Mignon dinner. Please telephone for the latest information about our daily specials from our in house chefs. We're an easy walk from Downtown Ogunquit and welcome advance reservations to enjoy our delectable offerings and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Blue Bistro is among the Top-Rated Restaurants in Ogunquit.
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When Pigs Fly Pizzeria, 460 U.S. Route 1, Kittery, Maine 03904 | Restaurant: 207-438-7036 Bread Store: 207-439-3114
Enjoy our large selection of wood-fired pizzas, appetizer plates, craft beers and draft wines. The pizzas are Neapolitan style, handcrafted from all natural ingredients. Our wood-fired ovens give the crust a chewy, smoky flavor. All ingredients are the freshest including mozzarella, which is made fresh daily. This location is also home to the When Pigs Fly Company Store, which offers all of the classic and artisan breads, and other products available from When Pigs Fly.
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Warren's Lobster House, 11 Water Street / U.S. Route 1, Kittery, Maine 03904 | 207-439-1630
Warren's is a "destination restaurant" known far and wide. All entrees on our extensive menu include the "Seacoast’s Finest Salad Bar" featuring over sixty items. Warren's offers the area’s largest selection of lobster entrees along with great seafood, steak and chicken specialties served in a comfortable and casual family atmosphere. Free valet parking service is provided "in season".
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Roberto's, 200 Shore Road, Ogunquit, Maine 03907 | 207-646-8130
Roberto's is committed to making every dish memorable and that feeds not only the body, but feeds the spirit as well. Delicious hardy portions that are truly crave worthy. An extensive menu of all your favorite Italian dishes cooked authentically to give you that real taste of Italy.
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Fisherman's Catch Restaurant, 134 Harbor Road, Wells, ME 04090 | 207.646.8780
Fisherman's Catch Restaurant has been serving fresh Maine seafood, off the beaten path, for more than 35 years. We truly appreciate the locals making our little rustic spot in Wells Harbor their destination. Off the Beaten Path, Keeping It Rustic Since 1982. Lunch and Dinner - May to Mid October. Dine Out, Dine In. A Maine Summertime Classic.
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Jonathan's OGT, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, Maine 03907 | 207-646-4777
Serving upscale New England cuisine, Jonathan's Ogunquit, caters to those diners looking for fresh seafood, classic European dishes, grilled steaks and more. Diners prefer Jonathan's for a romantic date night, to celebrate a special birthday or enjoy an evening of farm to table gastronomy before a show. Jonathan's offers dining, events, and concerts. Featuring local food products wherever possible and focuses on serving fresh, New England products. Jonathan's slogan has always been to #eatwell.
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Loco Coco's Tacos, 36 Walker Street, Kittery, ME 03904 | 207-438-9322
Creative, unique, and freshly made Mexican food housed in a restored building, a relaxed dining experience that offers something different to patrons and ensures you enjoy a memorable food experience every time. Mexican, Southwestern Cuisine, Special Diets, Vegetarian, Vegan / Gluten free options. Lunch, Dinner, Dine-In or Take-out, Catering.
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Lord's Clam Box Restaurant, 1465 Main Street So., Sanford, ME 04073 | 207-324-4700
Serving Only the Finest Seafood Since 1969. Famous Chowders and Legendary Seafood, Fried Clams, Fried Haddock, Maine Steamers, Shrimp, Imported Pasta, One Quarter Pound Hamburgers, Assorted homemade desserts and pastries. Sensational side dishes and appetizers. Eat in or Take Out.
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Ogunquit Beach Lobster House, 1111 Beach Street, Ogunquit, ME 03907 | 1-207-360-2286
Enjoy a Maine lobster meal you will will want again and again, with succulent lobster you can taste, not buried in overwhelming seasonings or paired with inappropriate accompaniments. We make it to your taste, even if only seasoned with our healthy Maine salt air! Dine-In, or Take-Out. Seasonally Open 7 days a week from Noon - 8:00pm
Visit Ogunquit Beach Lobster House - Ogunquit, ME
The safe and proper way to cook and handle turkey.
Selecting a Turkey
When picking up a turkey, remember the following guidelines — 1-1/3 pounds of turkey per person should be perfect. 2 lbs each, and you’ll have leftovers.
“Fresh” only means that the turkey has not been exposed to temperatures under 26 degrees. A frozen turkey can sometimes be better than a fresh turkey that has been kept awhile at a just below frozen temperature. To get a “real” fresh turkey, visit a local turkey farm. Order your turkey in advance as they often times sell out or only prepare enough for the orders that they have.
Thawing the Bird
Thaw your frozen turkey in the refrigerator in a large pan or container. Juices will penetrate the wrappings. Allow 24 hours for every four pounds of meat. Remember to remove the innards and neck as soon as you can. This will allow the turkey to thaw faster. Be sure to rinse the bird with cold water before you start the seasoning or stuffing process.
Stuffing the Turkey
Most experts advise cooking the stuffing separately. It’s easier and safer. Here in Maine some folks utilize Blueberries in the stuffing – or a mix of Blueberries and Cranberries. If you do choose to stuff your bird, only stuff about two-thirds full as the stuffing will expand. Never stuff the turkey in advance.
Roasting a Turkey
Some people choose to roast a turkey slowly at 325 degrees. Others get a covered roaster and turn the heat up to 375 or 400. Either is fine as long as you use a meat thermometer when cooking your turkey. An instant-reading thermometer is easiest. The thickest part of the breast should be cooked to 175 degrees F. Cook the thigh to 185 degrees and the stuffing to 165 degrees. Cook the bird breast side up. If you are cooking without a roaster, a foil tent can be used so that the bird doesn’t become too browned.
Let the Turkey Rest
When the turkey is done, let the turkey rest for 20 mins before you slice it. Remove the legs and wings first to get easier access to carving the breast, then proceed to removing the remaining meat.
Storing the Leftover Turkey
It’s best to remove leftover turkey meat from the bone. Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator or freezer. Store leftover stuffing separately. Use the refrigerated leftovers within three days. Use the frozen leftovers within two months.
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