Turkey Travel Guide

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Dalaman

Sep-14-2011 By admin

Dalaman, situated on the southwest coast in the Mugla Province of Turkey and home to some outstanding scenery is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. The well known seaside resort of Marmais is in the Dalaman region and its airport is one of Turkey’s busiest.

If you’re a watersports enthusiast then Turkey is the place to be. Widely recognised to host some of the best clear-water scuba diving in the world you can pick up a taster session for around £35 before jumping headfirst into a full learning course. If going beneath the waves isn’t your thing then don’t worry, you can find scores of boat trips and snorkelling trips to keep you happy and explore the beautiful world beneath the waves. Windsurfing is one of the more popular water activities and taster sessions again are relatively cheap, whilst a taught lesson will cost a little more. Banana boat rides, jet skis for hire and paragliding are also available to give you a wide range of possible activities.

Dalaman’s mud baths are one of its most popular attractions, and it’s easy to see why. The revitalising qualities of sulphur rich mud have been celebrated for centuries, as the mud moisturises the skin to leave your body feeling, and looking, years younger! Why pay for an expensive mud bath at a spa when you can have a natural one? Great fun and good for you, recommended.

If you’re into history then you can’t visit Turkey without seeing the Lycian rock tombs. Carved into the cliffside these ornate tombs date back three millennia. No that’s not a misprint, they date back to before 1000BC! There are quite a few different tombs around, but the most impressive is at Myra where you’ll find a huge network of tombs carved into the side of the mountain.

Temperatures in Turkey reach the mid to high 30’s in summer so travelling out of high season can save you money whilst still guaranteeing the scorching heat so many of us crave. You can also find good all inclusive deals if you’re wanting to keep to a budget and cut down on hassle.

For good deals on flights to Dalaman as well as accommodation check out www.thomascook.com for their latest prices and offers. If you don’t mind booking last minute then you’ll find a much better deal too. They also offer good rates on travel insurance, and this can be included in the price so you only have to make one payment.

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Bodrum; A Turkish Delight

Sep-14-2011 By admin

Holidays to Turkey are proving more popular than ever as thousands flock to the island in search of sun, sea and excellent value for money. The temperatures in the summer months can reach the high 30’s and with so many airlines flying in and out of the country there’s never been a better time to go. With that in mind, here are five of the best places to visit in Bodrum, one of Turkey’s most popular regions.

Underwater – Ok, so ‘underwater’ isn’t a place, but if it was it’d be top of our list of places to visit. The reason we’ve included it is because of the incredible scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities on offer when you visit Turkey. If you’ve never dived before then you can try a tester session for around £35, giving you a taste of what it’s like without compelling you to commit to a full course.

Bodrum Castle – Originally named the Castle of St Peter (but these days more frequently known as Bodrum Castle) the castle was built in 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller. With impressive architecture and historical importance, the castle is one of Bodrum’s most popular tourist attractions and casts an imposing figure as it sits looking out to sea. Built from green volcanic stone with marble columns the castle was at the forefront of architectural technology when built and still stands firmly 600 years later.

Bitez Beach – Another Bodrum special, Bitez Beach is one of the island’s most popular beaches and for good reason. The sand is white and clean and the sea has the kind of clarity you’d usually associate with a Caribbean islands. Boat tours are available as well as windsurfing, snorkelling and other water sports.

Bodrum Amphitheatre – Situated near the main road on the way into Gumbet, the Amphitheatre is an impressive tourist attraction. Built over five centuries ago the Amphitheatre still hosts concerts today and attracts visitors all year round. The sheer scale of the structure is breathtaking, and when you consider how long it’s been around it really is a thing of beauty. To visit is free, so you really should try and see it if you have the chance!

The Mausoleum – Built between 353 and 350BC in what was at the time known as Halicarnassus (now Bodrum) the Mausoleum was 150 feet high and considered by the Greek poet Antipater of Sidon to be one of his seven wonders of the world. The actual building was destroyed by earthquakes in the 1400s, meaning it stood for an incredible 16 centuries before finally being brought down. The site was later excavated and can now be visited.

Whether you’re new to Turkey or you’ve been before there are always good deals available if you look in the right place. Holiday operators such as Thomas Cook offer good flight and accommodation packages for a stay in bodrum so be sure to check them out for some really low prices, especially if you don’t mind a last minute deal!

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Cheap Holidays to Turkey – Best Turkey Holiday Resorts

Sep-28-2010 By admin
Sam Rosenberg asked:




Turkey is where East meets West and it is just this variety that makes move in Turkey then exciting. Although turkey is a Muslim country its finish is imbued with a large and respectful honor for Islam, Turkey is an area that attempts to part the lay and spiritual beliefs of its citizens. While it is indefinite what the future holds for Turkey, nowadays the area remains a superior holiday place and one of our good places to see.

Many Visitors thinks that there is a small Turkey inside the Istanbul. Crossing the Bosporus into Asia Minor, still, leads you into a foreign and interesting nation. Read our recommendations on the good places to see in Turkey and so have your reservations to search this about enticing area.
Ancient sights of epic proportions wait you on the Aegean Coast. Visit lovely Pamukkale, a petrified limestone waterfall or some of the better preserved ruins at Ephesus. From Altinkum make the journey to the Temple of Apollo where you will be awe-struck by the pure size of the yet righteous columns not to cite the inventiveness of the old civilisations.

Most Recommended Places to see in Turkey:

1. MARMARIS: Marmaris has been the most exiting resorts for the visitors who expect a good relaxing holiday. Marmaris is possibly the most European of all the Turkish resorts, although a venture into the Old Quarter shortly reveals a really conventional Turkish air. Old men seat in the shadow playing backgammon just yards from the more advanced bars on theseafront.

2. ICMELER : Icmeler is very close to major resort marmaris. Just 5 minutes of travel brings you a more quiet beach. The relaxed ambience is contagious and you can consume your days sunbathing, exploring Marmaris or taking boat trips around the bays. For evenings out,you will be spoilt for selection. Icmeler offers its own broad scope of restaurants, bars and discos, or you can inspect Marmaris where the nights are still livelier.

3. BODRUM: The coastal landscape in Bodrum by islands, peninsulas, bays and headlands rich divided. In about half an hour to get there by ship, the Greek island of K

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Turkey Property – Best Holiday Home Investment Around

Sep-19-2010 By admin
Frank Crowley asked:




Industry experts have identified Turkey as a ‘hot property market’ for investors. Turkish property agents say “because of its soaring tourism figures combined with property prices being low compared to other European tourist hotspots,”they added:

“Turkey’s tourism figures are absolutely through the roof, it is expected to receive over 20million tourists in 2009.

This is evidenced by the fact we are advertising off plan Turkish properties with a guaranteed 9.5% net rental yield for the first five years. This is one of the biggest rental guarantees I have ever come across, though I have seen similar figures they have always been offered over a shorter period of time. Not only that, the rental guarantee is bank supported; giving investors security and making this one of the best holiday home investments on the global market.”

The development referred to is the New Generation apartment development in Istanbul, comprising of 314 1, 2 and 3 bedroom off-plan apartments priced from just

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Fascinating Family Holidays – Turkey and Its Famous Whirling Dervishes

Sep-11-2010 By admin
Davide Smith asked:




Becoming ever more popular for family holidays, Turkey has some fascinating sights and experiences to offer its visitors, not least of which are its famous Whirling Dervishes.

Who are the Whirling Dervishes?

Although in modern day terminology we might use the term Whirling Dervish of someone who is seen to be dashing about hurriedly to get things done; the real Whirling Dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order which was founded in the city of Konya in present day Turkey by the followers of 13th century poet, theologian and mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi (also known as Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi). In what is essentially an act of worship, the Mevlevi Dervishes in their long white costumes, perform their whirling dance as part of the ceremony which is known as Sema and also includes singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and poetry recitals. For those taking family holidays in Turkey, it is an experience not to be missed.

Why do the Mevlevi Dervishes whirl?

It is said that the practice of whirling originated from Balkhi-Rumi’s occasional habit of spinning around in sheer joy and ecstasy in the streets of Konya, and that the aim of turning first slowly and then with ever-increasing speed is to put the dancers into a trance-like or meditative state which takes them closer to God. As they perform this mesmerising ritual, they are accompanied by chanting and music, and those attending one of their performances during their family holidays in Turkey are certain to be awestruck and captivated by the sheer speed at which they move.

Are the Mevlevi the only order of Dervishes?

As visitors on family holidays to Turkey will no doubt learn, the Mevlevi,or Whirling Dervishes, were only one of many orders of Dervishes (brotherhoods or religious sects known for their extreme poverty and austerity) to exist in latter day Persia; the Bektashi order being another of the very famous ones. Throughout the centuries, however, successive rulers put an end to all but the Mevlevi order. It belongs to the orthodox mainstream of Islam, allowing it to survive, albeit mainly because the organisation was a non-political one and the Sema ceremony is such a tourist attraction. Different orders practised their own separate and distinct rituals which also included dancing, but the Mevlevi order was unique in its whirling dances.

Where to go to see the Whirling Dervishes

As the home of the Whirling Dervishes, the city of Konya is one of the places where visitors on family holidays in Turkey can take in the sight of this famous Sema dance and December 17th, the anniversary of the death of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, is one of the best times to visit. The annual Mevlana Commemoration Festival takes place at the Mevlana Cultural Centre in the city and ceremonies take place during the course of the week from the 10th to 17th of the month. Visitors to Istanbul can also see displays of the Whirling Dervishes at the Galata Mevlevihanesi (closed for restoration until December 2010), and various other venues throughout the city.

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Unforgettable Experiences For Turkey Family Holidays

Sep-7-2010 By admin
Davide Smith asked:




In terms of family holidays, Turkey is about as good as it gets. With a combination of sun, sea and sand that will keep every member of the family in the holiday mood, this holiday is likely to be one that is remembered. But why not throw in a few unforgettable experiences, just to make sure that it goes down in family history.

White Water Rafting

The Coruh River in Turkey has long been rated one of the world’s top ten rafting rivers by professional rafters. A trip downstream is definitely something that you won’t forget in a hurry. No prior experience is required so this is an adventure suitable for every member of the family, provided they are able to swim. The route down the river is fast and thrilling in places, particularly when you come up against the rapids. However, there are also calmer stretches of water, during which you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountain passes through which the river runs. For a memorable excursion to remember on your family holidays, Turkey’s most impressive river is the place to go.

Hot Air Ballooning

If you want to see the country from a slightly different perspective on your family holidays, Turkey never looks better than when you’re looking down on her from above. Hot air ballooning is available in the area of Cappadocia, in central Anatolia, and is well worth a morning or afternoon of your holiday. High up in the sky you can look down and see the distinctive landscapes, spotting the natural features that have been shaped by wind, weather, and volcanic eruptions. You’ll also see remnants of the various histories that Turkey has collected over the years, with landmarks harking back to the Hittites, the Byzantines, and even the early Christians. What better way to see Turkey, than with a bird’s eye view? This will be an addition to your holiday that will not be forgotten in a hurry.

The Whirling Dervishes

One way to ensure that your family holidays in Turkey are never forgotten, is to make sure you really see something of the culture. What better way to discern what the real Turkey is like than through dance? If you’re lucky enough to see a ceremony put on by the Whirling Dervishes, either in Konya or Istanbul, you will begin to wish you were from Turkey yourself. The Whirling Dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order, and performers of the famous ‘Sema’ dance. As they dance around you in a whirlwind, you cannot fail to appreciate the grace and skill of their movements, which symbolise the human being’s spiritual journey upwards, powered by love and intelligence to reach perfection. This is a show that will have all members of the family enraptured.

So for family holidays, Turkey really is the place to go. Relax in the sun, bathe in the sea and bask on the sand, but before you head home be sure to try any one of these once in a lifetime experiences.

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10 Best Beaches In Turkey

Sep-2-2010 By admin
Jez Rourke asked:




The Finest Beaches of Turkey

When people think of grand beaches, they generally think of places like California, Florida or Hawaii, but they rarely think of a country like Turkey. Despite being under-publicised, Turkey offers a wide variety of beaches that stretch along the Mediterranean Sea.

In this article, we will take a look at the top ten beaches found in Turkey.

Patara Beach: Patara is the longest beach in the Mediterranean, and was hailed by The Sunday Times as the best beach in the world. Accommodations are limited, loungers and umbrellas are available to rent, and it is backed by ancient ruins and dunes.

Oludeniz Beach: Oludeniz is Turkey’s most famous beach, and therefore in peak seasons, is the most crowded. There are good hotels to stay at, very good bars, water sports available, scuba diving and is surrounded with resorts.

Olimpos: If you are looking for a more romantic and relaxed atmosphere, then this is the beach for you. It is far more secluded and smaller than the other two beaches mentioned so far, and is backed by a forest, which is filled with Roman ruins.

Side: Side is only an hour away from the airport, and is very popular with holiday groups. There is a village and a beach filled with fine sand, as well as some Roman ruins to explore nearby.

Iztuzu Beach: Iztuzu Beach is a national conservation area, and is one of the last breeding places in Europe of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. It can only be reached by a 20 minute boat ride from the nearby town of Dalyan. There is a lot of beach, and the water is warm and shallow. Nearby, there are some cliff tombs you can explore as well.

Cleopatra’s Beach (Alanya): Alanya is one of the biggest resorts found in Turkey, and Cleopatra’s beach is splendid and very popular. The beach and resort offer great accommodations, facilities and things to do. There is also an old fortress nearby.

Kemer: Kemer is a lovely seaside town located right on on the sea front. There are a number of small beaches you can visit, as well as many day-trip opportunities. Most of the beaches are made up of small pebbles, although there are a few with sandy beaches.

Bodrun: Bodrun is home to the original mausoleum, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also home to the Castle of St Peter, which used to be a crusader fortress but now serves as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The beaches in town are small, but many people visit them as an afterthought to sightseeing.

Pamucak Beach: Most of the beach is public, but on the south side there are some resorts. It is close to the Aqua Fantasy water park, and there is a small hotel where you can get refreshments and amenities. The water is pretty choppy, and there aren’t any life guards, so be careful.

Sinop: Sinop has many fascinating things to see, and the beaches are small. Because the water comes from the Black Sea, it can be rather chilly too.

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Turkey Holidays – Cheap Holidays To Turkey – Kalkan Resort

Aug-31-2010 By admin
Sam Rosenberg asked:




Kalkan is a town on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. This is an old fishing town. Most of the surrounding area is undeveloped. Until 1970 it was an important harbor town. However after construction of Fethiye road its importance as a harbor port declined. Now it has emerged as a tourist resort. In the absence of mass tourism, Kalkan resort town has remained unspoilt and is a charming town on the brilliant blue sea coast. It lies snugly curled up at the foot of the Taurus Mountains overlooking the beautiful bay.

Kalkan’s economy is now entirely dependent on tourism. The town has proudly and painstakingly preserved its historical distinctive Ottoman Greek Architecture. Kalkan resort town has preserved the old historic architectural style. The houses line up the narrow streets winding up from the harbor. Houses are often covered with bougainvillea of different colors and they look so pretty. Most houses are two storied and are built of stone. They often have courtyards and gardens. The houses are built so as to keep cool in summer. The windows and balconies on upper floors open facing the sea so as to get the cool breeze from the ocean. The ground floors are generally used for shops or for storage; residence is generally on the first floor. You notice decorative elements on sills between floors and on top of windows.

Good dining has always been a tradition of Kalkans and this has reflected in the very large number of restaurants in Kalkan; in fact it is said Kalkan has probably the highest number of restaurants per inhabitant as compared to other Turkish coastal towns. Roof terrace restaurants and bars of Kalkan are renowned in Turkey; it is so nice to sit at one of these harbor side restaurants and watch the pleasure boats and fishermen go about their business in the morning, or to watch them returning in the evening with their catch of fish.

Tourists generally spend the day time strolling along the bay and the marina. Swimming, diving and snorkeling in the bay quite enjoyable. There are many boat trips also available. By night time, Kalkan transforms into a bustling town; there is so much you could do. There is shopping, dining and generally strolling around by the sea side or doing window shopping. In the evening, shops come alive with T-shirts, boxes of Turkish delight, silver jewelry being sold. Turkish rugs are famous for their designs and craftsmanship, and many shops sell the rugs. Tourists find a lot of typical old style Turkish articles to buy.

Tourists and visitors to Kalkan resort town come to enjoy the laid-back relaxed life style in this Turkish sanctuary. There are a few good hotels catering to the tourists. One of the popular hotels is Hotel Pirat; it is only 80 km from Fathiye or 130 km from Dalaman airports. Pirat Hotel is overlooking the harbor and the bay of Kalkan, right at the front of hilly resort islands backed by hills and mountains. The view of the bay from the balcony is enchanting. This 136 room hotel has all modern amenities. Excellent outdoor swimming pool, children’s swimming pool, sports facilities such as table tennis and billiards are available. There is provision for diving school, parasailing, jet ski, canoe, sailing and all water sports are available at the beach for a modest fee.

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Blue Ribbon Turkey Gravy

Aug-25-2010 By admin
Kimberly Edwards asked:




Type: Sauce

Serve Over: Turkey & Mashed Potatoes @ your Holiday Feast

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 15-20 min

Yield: Enough gravy for 8-10 people, and leftovers from your Holiday Feast

Ingredients:

Remaining Pan drippings – From roasting your turkey, chicken, duck or goose

Butter – If you don’t have at least a few tbsp of chicken fat in the drippings floating on top

1/2 cup All-purpose flour

~ 3-4 cups Mushrooms – Sliced – as many as you like, and whatever type you prefer (I like a lot of mushrooms – don’t be afraid, they shrink a lot)

~ 1/2 cup Red wine – Any kind you like

~ 3 cups Chicken broth – You may use water if you don’t have broth, but broth is better, especially if you don’t have a lot of turkey drippings. This measurement will depend upon the amount of turkey drippings you render while roasting.

Sea salt – To taste

Freshly cracked black pepper – To taste

~ 3-4 drops Gravy browning – * Only for aesthetics, and is unneeded if you don’t care about the color of your gravy.

Instructions:

1. Once turkey is finished roasting and you have transferred it to a serving dish, but keeping it warm, assess what you have in the bottom of the roasting pan. If you have a few tbsp of chicken fat floating on the top of the drippings, you have enough and do not need to add butter. If there isn’t enough, add butter to make up the difference.

2. On a medium-low heat (because the drippings and pan is extremely hot already), add red wine, and using large spoon or wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the roasting pan until everything is loosened from the bottom of the pan and dissolving nicely into drippings and wine. (This is provided things aren’t “VERY” burnt at the bottom of the roasting pan – If they are, you will need to use a new pan, but save all the drippings and crunchy bits that aren’t burnt)

* Tip: The brown, crunchy bits in the bottom of the pan is where most of the flavor of your gravy will come from. They are your friends!

* Tip: This is called “deglazing”, and wine assists in this process.

* Tip: Use an oven mitt or towel to hold the side of the pan since it is scalding hot, so it doesn’t move around while you are scraping and stirring. It is awkward on your stovetop, as your roasting pan will probably take up 2 burners (front and back).

3. If you don’t have at least 1 1/2 cups of turkey drippings, make up the difference with chicken broth, and add mushrooms.

4. Constantly stirring, cook mushrooms until they are completely softened and cooked through.

5. In a mason jar (or whisk in a bowl), shake the flour and about 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth or water (chicken broth is more flavorful, of course) until there are no lumps.

6. Add the freshly shaken flour/broth (or flour/water) mixture to the pan, stirring constantly.

* Tip: At this point, you may want to turn down the burner temperature if the pan’s contents are bubbling too hard.

7. Constantly stirring, take your gravy to a boil and cook for another few minutes after to make sure there is no floury taste left.

* Tip: The flour is the thickener of the gravy, and it reaches it’s full thickening power after the mixture has boiled. If the gravy is not thick enough to your liking, add a bit more flour and water to the jar and repeat process until desired thickness is achieved.

* Tip: If the gravy as dark in color as you like, add 3-4 drops of gravy browning. This has no flavor, it is strictly for aesthetics.

8. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and pour into a gravy boat.

9. Serve over your Amazing Turkey and Fabulous Mashed Potatoes & Enjoy!

* Tip: We store our leftover gravy in a mason jar as well. It is easy access and fits in the fridge better than a Tupperware might with all of the awesome leftovers you will have to find room for.

This recipe is tried and true…I learned this from my mother, and her from her mother! I don’t know how far back it goes!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as you are preparing for Thanksgiving or Christmas…

Eat Deliciously!

Your Holiday turkey is simply NOT complete with out the Gravy! This Blue Ribbon Gravy is amazing and flavorful. The Perfect Compliment to your Amazing Turkey! ~ Kimberly Edwards :D

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Smoked Turkey – A Holiday Alternative to Oven Roasting

Aug-23-2010 By admin
Brad Vitosh asked:




For generations people have been dropping turkeys into the oven and roasting for hours. They use stuffings and little pop up timers. Guess what? You can make a great turkey this way. But wouldn’t it be great to go one step better? Smoked turkey is more flavorful and is tenderer than oven roasting. Breaking away from tradition can be hard but I’m here to walk you through the process.

When cooking your turkey in the Smoker you need to make sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This means that the coldest part of the turkey is 165 degrees F. This isn’t a suggestion. Test in at least two places and remember that turkey bones heat faster so keep the thermometer away from bone and white meat cooks faster than dark meat. Run the smoker at temperature range of 220 degrees F to 240 degrees F. Plan on 30 to 40 minutes per pound.

What you need to smoke a turkey:

The first thing in you need for a great smoked turkey is a good turkey. Now whether you are going to hunt your own or buy one, you want a fresh turkey. A free range Turkey is what to look for. Now I know this isn’t always cheap or easy but if you can then I recommend it. If you do pick up a frozen turkey always follow the instructions for defrosting. Also do not get too large of a turkey. A 20 pound turkey will take 10-14 hours and larger turkeys greatly increase food contamination risks. A 12-16 pound turkey will be good.

You also need a smoker, a good meat thermometer, a good hardwood like cherry or apple, and patience. For the smoker you can use a kettle style grill if you are familiar with low temperature cooking in it. Most people don’t do turkeys very often so even if you are a master of smoked brisket or low n’ slow barbecue ribs you should pay particular attention to what you are doing. Nothing can take the place of experience.

The good meat thermometer is a must. It should read fast and be very reliable. For the wood I recommend a fruit wood because the flavor works best with turkey. Something like a cherry or apple would be good, though hickory and oak can add a nice flavor as well. Be careful not to over smoke a turkey, especially if you are doing a long smoke.

Smoked turkey has a different color and texture than oven roasted turkey. The meat may appear pink and have a smoother texture. This is normal. The smoking process causes a chemical change in turkey that causes this color change. As long as the turkey registers a temperature of 165 degrees F. it is safe to eat no matter the color.

Make sure you have everything together before you start. The turkey needs to be completely thawed. Remove all the stuff inside and trim off any excess skin. Remove any pop up timer devices, wash in cold water and pat completely dry.

Prepare your smoker. You will want to build a fire to hold a steady temperature right around 230 degrees F. Since most smokers start hot and cool down as the fire settles into a good smoke that you plan on putting the turkey in at about 250 degree F and let the smoker drop down to the cooking temperature. Use a smoker that will supply you with a consistent heat, like a Bradley Smoker.

Putting the turkey in at this point will give you a great meal. However there are several options you can follow to enhance the flavor of your bird. One option is to use a brine. This will require you to soak the turkey in the brine for a good 24 hours before you cook. You could also apply your favorite dry rub. Of course the simplest method would be to brush some olive oil to keep the skin moist and help your turkey develop a rich deep tan.

Put the turkey in the smoker breast side up. You can use a roasting pan or heavy foil to help reduce any mess or just set it on the rack.

Wash everything. Once I get a piece of poultry on the grill or in the smoker I like to sterilize everything that might have come into contact with it. Salmonella is not something to take lightly. Once everything is completely clean you can relax. Check the smoker temperature every hour or so to make sure it’s behaving properly but you won’t need to do anything with this turkey for several hours.

Calculating 30 minutes per pound at about 230 degrees F, determine the approximate time that the turkey could be ready at the earliest. This is when you want to start testing the Turkey to see if it is done. Using a good meat thermometer to test the internal temperature turkey in two different places, leaving the thermometer in long enough to get a good reading. Remember, don’t test too close to bone. When you have two reading about 165 degrees F. then you can take the turkey out.

Let the turkey rest for about 15 minutes and carve. Giving the turkey a rest will allow the meat to relax, the juices to flow and the temperature to come up a little and even out. This is one of the secrets to a great bird. Don’t rush to carve or your turkey will be dry.

What a great way to start a new family tradition.

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