The Lady On Turkey Hill

Did you know that turkey is a native game bird? That Benjamin Franklin thought the turkey should have been the national symbol instead of the bald eagle? That a female turkey is called a Hen and a male turkey a Tom? And that "roughly 270 million turkeys are raised on factory farms each year ? (Mostly the same variety - the Broad Breasted White) for one sole reason - producing disproportionately large amount of white meat in as little time as possible." New York Times Op-Ed Contributor: About a Turkey by Patrick Martins..November 24, 2003 It is not a pretty article and will definitely make you think twice about what will be on your plate come Thanksgiving next week. It makes you think twice even if you go the next one level up and purchase a turkey that is labeled "free-range"or "organic" and "naturally raised" because often they have been co-opted or manipulated by big businesses and therefore cannot guarantee a more healthier or more humanely raised bird.. I say this, of course..but I eat turkey (most likely the Broad Breasted White) since this is the only variety sold through supermarkets and butcher shops..Boars Head Ovengold is a byproduct of the same kind...etc...etc...Nothing better than a beautifully compiled club sandwich with its white turkey meats..Turkey pot pie; cream of turkey soup (my favorite, if you remember)...I recall when we were living in NYC and my husband used to work in the Trump Tower building, they had this wonderful salad place downstairs that made the most mouth watering turkey salad with chunks of aged cheddar cheese and white grapes. The two of us would sometime meet for lunch, and being very economical at the time, would order one of those salads to share with a couple of french rolls. We then took our tray to a table near the giant waterfall that tumbled from the seventh floor of the atrium..and enjoyed our meal. Those were the days! As much as I enjoy turkey, we really only cook a turkey once a year at Thanksgiving. And actually, because we have spent the last five Thanksgivings in the city with my family, I haven't cooked one in years- which brings me back to the above mentioned article on turkeys which came out the same year my sister M decided to order a heritage turkey for our special meal. And when the article was published, she said "HA!"and forwarded it to each one of us siblings. Heritage turkeys are a handful of older, pre-industrial turkey varieties, still being grown today. They are slowly gaining recognition for their dark, rich, and succulent meat (more gamey) and are raised by smaller independent family farms to ensure their survival. Some varieties are the Bourbon Red, Narragansett and Jersey Buff - which have been pushed almost to the brinks of extinction because there was/is no longer a market for them. But slowly, they are gaining popularity as consumers are becoming more aware of what they eat and how they eat. It is expensive though..compare to say a Butterball Turkey which retails for around 69 cents a pound to the heritage turkeys which go for about $5 a pound. But you know..sometimes it is a case of getting what you paid for. Nothing better than the fragrance of a whole turkey roasting in the oven; a definite love potion and intoxicating delight to the senses. I love, love, love Thanksgiving; no pressure..just a quiet day to spend with your family and enjoying the bounty of food that were prepared together in harmony. That will be the mood of our home this year as my whole family have decided to come to Westport to celebrate Thanksgiving together. My sisters and their boyfriend and fiancee will train up the evening before and we will start our preparations. Our boys are filled with excitement; it is like Christmas for them..only better..the aunts and uncles are sleeping over!!!! I can't imagine how much fun we will have and how much warmth and laughter will fill our home; I'm so thrilled as well and can't wait to start food shopping. Oddly enough, the reason we are even living here in Westport, Connecticut is due to a certain lady that lived onTurkey Hill South here in town. After our oldest son was born, my husband and I decided that it was time to finally say goodbye to New York City..which I will always consider my hometown..but it was now the time to find a place to call home and raise our family there. I have always been fascinated by Westport because I am Martha Stewart's best fan. She is definitely the queen of domestication; making living a little more of a "good thing!" However, we never, in our wildest dreams,, thought we would live here one day. But amazingly, a realtor found us a very nice rental on a great little cul-de-sac with the most nicest handful of neighbors (you know who you are). We were so enthralled with Westport that we set out to search for a home to purchase within months of living here. And coincidentally, the yellow 1959 ranch on .56 of an acre that we ultimately fell in love with happened to be right down the street from where we were renting and so we were able to maintain our old friendships as well as made new ones. We were proud owners on July 1st, 2000 and plan to live here for pretty much a very, very long time. Once again, Martha Stewart, you gave us yet another inpiration, and we thank you!!!!! As I write this, I am planning the menu in my head...when it comes down to it..it is all about food...what to make and create that will fill our tummy and give us pleasure on such a wonderful and beloved holiday..I have some good ideas, but I better start working on it..Whatever meals you are serving, whatever kind of turkey you plan to roast (or deep-fry)..just remember the special memory that will come from it, of the precious hours that will be spent with loved ones enjoying a very thankful meal. Happy Thanksgiving!