Happy Thanksgiving To All

Too many things we need to do for this holiday,having friends and relatives is a happy occation.We must plan. So to get started you need to have these essential things:

Roaster

Need a roaster? Porcelain-on-steel or "Graniteware" roasters are easy to find, generally inexpensive and conduct heat evenly. Tests have shown these dark roasters help evenly brown your bird. As an added benefit, the roaster can be used again and again for many other meats. Check the measurement of your oven cavity so you can be sure the roaster will fit.

Cooking Thermometer

This is an inexpensive necessity to ensure everyone enjoys the meal and stays healthy. Most experts recommend serving the turkey after it reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.

Baster

Basters can be found just about anywhere, though you'll need to look for one with a large bulb that will hold a large amount of fluids. A large, heavy-duty baster will help you save time, retain moisture and lock in the best flavors.

Serving Platter

There's no right choice for a serving platter other than personal choice. Platters come in many shapes, sizes and designs. Your platter, whether square, oval or round should be large enough to hold the turkey with some wiggle room and a sloped edge to hold already-sliced servings. Consider an oven-safe platter so that leftovers can be reheated easily.

Carving Knife

While knives are common in the kitchen, you'll need one that will work best with turkey. Serrated knives tear the meat, for example. An 8- to 10-inch carving knife with a thin, flexible blade will result in the most evenly cut slices.

Carving Board

Whether the cutting board is wood, plastic or other surface, make sure it has a deep gully around the board to catch juices. A textured cutting surface will keep meats from slipping as you cut.

Sauce Pan

"What, no gravy?" You'll need a sauce pan to take full advantage of all the tasty drippings from your fancy fowl. Make sure the lid fits properly to prevent too much pressure from forming inside a too-tight seal.

Gravy Boat

All aboard! You'll show your attention to detail by placing a gravy boat and saucer on your finely set table. It doesn't even need to look like a boat. You can improvise, too, with a small or medium pitcher that has an easy-pour spout.

Even if you're not planning a big holiday meal, these kitchen tools make great gifts for those who do the cooking! Ask your hosts if they need any of these items and you'll likely be on next year's guest list, too! Be sure to check www.cookware.org for more information on cookware, bakeware and other kitchen basics.

And here is a turkey recepe

Turkey Herb Soup with Corn Stuffing Fritters
Courtesy FoodNetwork.com

Canola oil, for shallow frying
1 large minced onion
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme
1 tablespoon fresh minced sage
2 tablespoons fresh minced flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons fresh minced cilantro
1 quart turkey stock (mire poix, thyme, garlic, Turkey carcass and wings, cold water, black peppercorns, bay leaf: simmered for at least 3 hours), strained
1 cup shredded white meat
1 cup shredded dark meat
2 cups leftover stuffing
1 cup blanched corn
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a small stock pot coated lightly with oil, saute the onions and ginger until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season. Add thyme, sage, parsley, cilantro and stock. Bring to a simmer and reduce by only 10 percent. Add the meat and check for seasoning. Keep very hot in a soup tureen. For the fritters, mix the stuffing (If large pieces, chop up a bit.), corn, eggs and cheese. Heat a cast iron pan or other heavy bottomed pan with 1-inch of oil to about 350 degrees. Gently drop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into the oil. When brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, flip over. Drain on paper towels and season with a little salt. PLATING Place fritters in individual warm soup plates. At the table, ladle the broth in the bowl. Enjoy.

Monterey Park is known for it's name "Little Taipei" ,where you will find all assortments of Asian eatery,and some Hispanic Tacos

I found this real interesting pizzeria right here in Monterey Park, here is write up about it

Bollini's Pizzeria

The new pie in town

By Jonathan Gold

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:00 am