This year I have decided to go out on a limb and order a heritage breed turkey for my 1st Thanksgiving in Colorado. I have found two sources that I like very much for these birds and I have yet to decide between Heritage Foods USA or Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch Inc. It looks like the bird sized as I would like is going to run me around $125 no matter which company, so it will come down to a personal rec from a friend (hint to any of you with experience out there) or which company I feel answers my numerous and nosy inquiries the best. In essence, when I consider those kind of "stacks" for a bird, I need to make sure my cooking method is precise and delivers the most delectable (shout out to DRH) turkey possible for my wife and our 4 , now 5 esteemed guests.

When I need a recipe or a method of doing some piece of protein in a way I know will succeed I turn to the legendary John GL and his amazing blog The Alcoholian (the link to the turkey I am going to do). John and his "spousal unit" tirelessly test recipes and post the results with full color directions on what they did and how they achieved success. What they do reminds me of Cook's Illustrated, although since John provides all his own ingredients and cooks passionately only what he wants I think The Alcoholian has a leg up on more famous cooking periodical.

My entire group of friends in Austin, TX adore John GL and his maniacal campaign to only prepare the best dishes possible. Corners are not cut and this site is not for those looking for Rachael Ray 20 minute...stuff, this is about real cooking with fires, torches, sheet metal, and facial hair. The Alcoholian also features some sardonic humor and copious references to love and how to attain it. If you want to make deep-flavored, complex food, then look no further than John GL and the Alcoholian.

Please send me your turkey thoughts and your world series predictions.

Voi Saluto,

Michael

Photo Credit - Jeremy Parzen and DoBianchi Blog