Post Turkey Day Turkey Post

Bienvenue Kind Readers,

Ok, being that my second favorite holiday has just passed, I felt it appropriate to finally post another recipe.  And this is the mother of all my recipes... Adam's Awesome, Amazing, Fantastic, Spectacular Turkey.

Let's get to it.

The first step is getting a turkey.  I am a fan of Butterball... and yes, I am aware they are a little controversial in their turkey treatment; but boy do they produce one tasty bird.  The following recipe is what I used for a 22.3 lb turkey, so this recipe will accommodate anywhere from an 18 - 25lb turkey, give or take a pound.

The second step is defrosting the bird.  I leave mine for about 5-6 days prior to applying the brine, which is done 24 hours before it goes into the oven, so start your defrosting around 6-7 days before you want to serve.  For more accurate defrosting time, consult the instructions that come with your bird.  That marks the end of the easy stuff.

Now, onto the brine.  AKA, my favorite part.  I don't know why it is my favorite, especially since there will be bacon later, but it is inexplicably my most enjoyed turkey activity apart from when I get to devour it.  Here's what you need:

1/2 Gallon of Apple Cider
1 Gallon of water
1 Cup salt
1 Cup brown sugar (how come you taste so good! Rolling Stones anyone? No?  Ok, moving on)
1 Tablespoon rosemary
1 Tablespoon thyme
2 Tablespoons rubbed sage
Peel of 1 orange (I used dried blood orange peel, but you can use any citrus fruit really)
3 Tablespoons peppercorns
4-5 Bay leaves
1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
1 lb Ice

First, wash your turkey.  This is simple, as you toss it into a clean sink, rub some salt all over it and rinse it in cool water for several minutes.  Then, toss all your ingredients, sans the ice, into a large pot and bring to a boil.  Let it simmer until all the salt and brown sugar is dissolved.  Remove from the heat and let fully cool.  This will take about 2 million hours, so do this quite early.

Once it is fully cooled, toss your turkey and the ice into the brine and let it sit for 12-24 hours (I wouldn't go past 24 hours, but it's not detrimental if you do.)  If you don't have a stock pot big enough (I couldn't find one and suspect that you'd have to consult the army to find one) you can just use plastic marinating bags.  If you go the bag route, you may have to rotate your bird every few hours to make sure the brine gets to all parts of the turkey.

Now make an herb butter.  This is simple:

2 Sticks of salted butter
2 Tablespoons rubbed sage
1 Tablespoon thyme

Let the butter reach room temperature, and put it in a bowl.  Sprinkle the herbs over it, and with the back of a fork, incorporate it all together.  Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until you are ready to cook the bird.  I do this while the brine is cooling so it can meld flavors for about 24 hours.

Dissolve to the next day.  Or star wipe, if you so choose.

Take your bird out of the brine about an hour before you are going to pop it into the oven.  Give it a good rinse and let it sit while you do some other prep work.

Let us discuss some aromatics, shall we?

3 Celery sticks
3 Large carrots
3 Apples
1 Large yellow onion
1 Large red onion
1/4 Cup water
1lb Bacon

Give the fruit and vegetables a rough chop, dividing your yield into 3 parts.  Place 2 parts and the 1/4 cup water in the bottom of the roasting pan, and the remaining 1 part in the turkey cavity.  Next, place your turkey in your roasting pan (either in the rack if you are using a fancy pants roasting pan like me, or directly on top of your aromatics if you are using tin foil or other...)

Now, smother the turkey in the herb butter.  You may wanna let the butter come to room temperature so it is easier to smear.  I like to rub the entire turkey with the butter, and put clumps of it both on top of and underneath the skin.  I also put some in the cavity.  As you are rubbing the button on the turkey, feel free to massage it a little.  Just remember, there is a fine line between breaking down muscle and tissue fibers and giving a sensual massage.

Finally, grab a pound of bacon, and drape it all across your turkey.  I put my turkey in, breast up, with bacon covering the breast and the legs.  You can do this however you like, but I find this to yield the best results.  Also, cover the tops of the wings and the bottom of the legs with tin foil.  This will save a burning headache (get it?  cause those parts will burn if not covered?  Oh, forget it.) 



Lastly, tent some foil, shiny side down, over your turkey.  Pre-heat your oven to 325 degrees, and toss that sucker in... in all it's delicious glory.

I baste every 15 - 30 minutes.  This will leave you with moist turkey meat and general succulence.  I also suggest that you remove the bacon and tin foil when you hit the 3 hour mark otherwise it can stick to the skin and ruin the final look of the turkey.  Just keep an eye on it to make sure the skin doesn't get too much color and the wings/legs don't burn.

For an 18-22lb turkey, it should cook for about 4+ hours.  Consult the inter-tubes and/or turkey directions to get exact cooking times and temperatures.


Once it has reached the proper temp (Around 165,) take it out and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (I leave mine for 45+minutes to let the juices redistribute.)  THIS IS IMPORTANT, SO DON'T GET IMPATIENT!!!

Then carve and enjoy. 

To make this complicated mess a little simpler, below you will find a list of all the ingredients you will need:

1 Turkey, fresh/frozen, 18-22lb
1/2 Gallon of Apple Cider
1 Gallon of water
1 Cup salt
1 Cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon rosemary
1 Tablespoon thyme
2 Tablespoons rubbed sage
Peel of 1 orange
3 Tablespoons peppercorns
4-5 Bay leaves
1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
2 Sticks of salted butter
2 Tablespoons rubbed sage
1 Tablespoon thyme
3 Celery sticks
3 Large carrots
3 Apples
1 Large yellow onion
1 Large red onion
1/4 Cup water
1lb Bacon

BONUS RECIPE!!!!

Gravy is a prerequisite for any holiday meal.  Below are 2 ways of making a gravy with your turkey.

Gravy numero uno... the easy one.  If you have an immersion blender, or just a regular blender take all the juices and aromatics as the turkey is cooling, and blend it up to the desired consistency.  I choose to leave all the fat in, cause it makes it more delicious, but if you must, you can easily skim off some fat prior to blending.

The veggies become nice and roasted, releasing their natural sugars, so this gravy tends to be very sweet.  I like this cause it is easy, but tasty.  Just make sure if you use an immersion blender, wear an apron... I ruined a shirt this year.

Gravy 2: the return.  This one is more traditional.  You will need:

2 Tablespoons salted butter
2 Tablespoons ap flour
Pan Drippings
Stock (chicken of vegetable) - May not be needed, see below

Melt your butter and add your flour into a small pot or sauce pan.  Once it makes a paste, cook it on very low for 5-10 minutes until it is slightly bubbly.  Add the drippings from the roasting pan and cook until it thickens to the desired temperature.  If you don't have enough drippings, or if it becomes too thick/tight, you can thin it with some stock.  Feel free to hit it with some salt and pepper to taste, and even a sprinkling of parsley or thyme for extra freshness.

BONUS BONUS RECIPE!!!

After dinner, once the turkey is fully carved, you can use the carcass to make a turkey stock.  You will need:

2 Gallons of water
1 Turkey carcass
2 Carrots, roughly chopped
2 Celery sticks, roughly chopped
2 Tablespoons thyme
2 Tablespoons rubbed sage
1 Tablespoon parsley

Combine in a stock pot and simmer for 2-3 hours.  The longer you simmer, the more concentrated the flavor will become, but it will also reduce.  Feel your way through by tasting your stock, and once it is where you like it, strain it into a container.  This stock makes great soups, and if reduced to a paste, can become a sauce starter.

Minor note here... Once it is cooled down, it may become gelatinous.  This is actually what you wanna see.  The collagen from the bones is broken down and will make your stock have a jelly like consistency when stored in the fridge.  The fat will also separate to the top, which can be skimmed off if desired.

BONUS BONUS BONUS RECIPE!!!

Ok, not really a recipe, but I wanted to continue the theme.  When your bacon comes off the turkey, microwave it for 20 seconds, and you have a pre-turkey snack.

~Adam

One of my favorite things

Hello,

Ok, so since I haven't actually cooked anything noteworthy in a while, I figured I'd go with yet another movie post (yes, I know, I'm probably becoming a little too repetitive at this point.)  But... very soon I will be making a turkey, so I will save that for the recipe post.  Especially since I am thinking of going with a dry brine (fancy, right?)

I wanted to go with a movie post that anyone would be able to relate to.  What series of movies does everyone love, that everyone would have seen, everyone can talk about to no end, and everyone would appreciate... that's right... GODZILLA!!!!


(::facepalm:: of course, cause everyone just loooooves him as much as I do (not to heavy on the sarcasm I hope (and yes, I am putting multiple parenthesis inside of one another, very meta)))

Enough of that silliness.  I am now going to reveal the definitive listing of Godzilla (or Gojira for the purists) movies.

Movie	Year	Ranking
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla	1974	1
Godzilla vs. Hedorah (Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster)	1971	2
Godzilla (US Distributed)	2014	3
Godzilla: Final Wars	2004	4
The Return of Godzilla (Godzilla 1985)	1984	5
Destroy All Monsters	1968	6
Godzilla vs. Biollante	1989	7
Godzilla vs. Gigan	1972	8
Godzilla Raids Again	1955	9
King Kong vs. Godzilla	1962	10
Godzilla (Godzilla, King of the Monsters)	1954	11
Invasion of Astro-Monster (Godzilla vs. Monster Zero)	1965	12
Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.	2003	13
Mothra vs. Godzilla	1964	14
Godzilla 2000: Millennium (Godzilla 2000)	1999	15
Terror of Mechagodzilla	1975	16
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster	1964	17
Godzilla, Mothra & King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack	2001	18
Son of Godzilla	1967	19
Godzilla vs. Megalon	1973	20
Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla	2002	21
Godzilla vs. Megaguirus	2000	22
Godzilla vs. Destoroyah	1995	23
Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla	1994	24
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 2	1993	25
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah	1991	26
Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster)	1966	27
Godzilla vs. Mothra (Godzilla & Mothra: The Battle for Earth)	1992	28
Godzilla (US Distributed)	1998	29
All Monsters Attack (Godzilla's Revenge)	1969	30

I am not including any movies that Godzilla appeared in by-proxy, including: Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Ultraman, Always: Sunset on Third Street 2, etc. 

As you might have guessed, I'm obsessed with the big guy.  I have a full set of reasons for why each movie fits into the list as well... but just for the top 5, these are the movies that best exemplify what he is all about.  Pure, unmistakable bad-assery! 

If I don't post before then, please have a wonderful Turkey Day!!

~Adam

Post Gilenya... Tecfidera to the rescue!

Hola,

Ok, so so I'm now on Tecfidera... but the Gilenya continues to be a small thorn in my side.

I had a lengthy conversation with my doctor prior to going on the Gilenya, and although she was hesitant to move me off the injected meds, the options were Gilenya, Tecfidera, and Tysabri.  Tysabri is a monthly IV drip administered in their office or a hospital, so that was out immediately.

We opted for the Gilenya over Tecfidera cause it was around for longer and had more data behind it.

In retrospect, after looking at the potential side effects, Tecfidera was the less risky choice.  I had all the side effects you can have from that stupid medication... just short of my eyes exploding.  Thankfully, nothing has really lingered, with the exception of my liver numbers being slightly elevated.  So even if it didn't give me asthma, I would have needed to stop anyway.  Grrrrrr!

So far so good with the Tecfidera.  Minor flushing a few hours after, so my face turns ever so slightly, bright neon pink.

For my next post I'm debating between a recipe or a movie post.  No idea of a recipe, but I'm thinking a definitive ranking of all Godzilla movies if I go with films.  Time will tell.

Laters,
Adam

P.S. Also, if anyone has any suggestions of good cardio exercises, I'm starting to train to get back in goal (which begs the question if anyone needs a goalie...) let me know.

Just in time for Halloween.

Hello,

Boy has there been a lot of happenings since the last time I wrote... but that'll be for another day.

So... about that movie I promised to talk about.

Sci-fi movies are close to my heart.  Ever since I was a little kid, I loved seeking out movies about giant bugs, space monsters, aliens, etc.  I grew up seeking out and watching all of the classic 1950's B-movies, like Them!, The Thing from Another World, IT Came from Outer Space, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, The Great Behemoth... and the list goes on.

I don't just watch the cheap, campy stuff; I also enjoy the poignant classics and underground stuff that critics rave about.  It's like I say, good horror and sci-fi can offer audiences deep messages that are often subtle, and make you think about or question something.  But that's not the type of movies I am referring to in this post... I'm referring to the fun, silly stuff.

Unfortunately, like with any other medium, for every 1 good sci-fi/horror films there are 10 terrible ones.  Just think of all the stupid titles you have heard of (most of them coming from the once great, now atrocious Syfy channel):

• Ice Spiders
• Frankenfish
• Arachnid
• Sharktopus vs Pteracuda
• Mega Shark vs Mecha Shark
• Croczilla

And the list goes on...

These movies end up with notoriety, like Manos the Hands of Fate (fans of MST3K will be quite familiar with this one.)  Thankfully, once in a while someone will make a film that doesn't take itself to seriously.  Enter Big Ass Spider (yes, I know, stupid name)

This is a fun homage to the old 1950's B-movies, like The Deadly Mantis, The Beginning of the End, The Monster that Challenged the World, etc.  This is a movie that understands what it is, and what their audience wants to see.  It is a giant spider movie coupled with a buddy comedy... which makes for an enjoyable movie.

The plot is tried and true; so don't expect any inventive twists or basic originality... but it is executed well.  An everyday Joe, working as an exterminator, befriends a security guard in an attempt to save the world from a giant, mutant spider (as well as get the girl.)  Its' tongue is firmly in cheek, and has a healthy dose of silly humor.

If you are in the mood for a decent, silly sci-fi movie with humor, action, and a giant monster, I would definitely recommend Big Ass Spider.  It pokes fun at itself and delivers on the main premise... cause that is definitely a big ass spider!

Catch you on the flip side...
Adam

Perplexed, Perturbed, and Other Alliterative P's.

ok ok ok ok ok ... I've beaten my record for shortest amount of time on an multiple sclerosis medication.  I was on Gilenya for a whopping 14 days.

Why'd they take me off, you ask?

CAUSE IT GAVE ME BLEEPING ASTHMA!!!


That's right, I feel like Regular Sized Rudy (courtesy of Bob's Burgers... if you haven't watched that; shame on you... now go find it on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu.)

As mentioned in my previous posts, I've developed a host of side effects.  As it turns out, the waterlogged feeling I had felt over the past 5 or so days is a form of asthma, which will hopefully go away in a few days after stopping the meds.  After all of the dang tests, insurance woes, and other random headaches, I got to experience a non-injecting medication for 2 weeks.  Here's to hoping for another pill alternative.

Ok. End rant.

My next post will be about a fantastic movie that I saw on Netflix the other day.  I wanna watch it again to put together a half-way decent review for you... But in the meanwhile, I was twitching I was so angry about all this, and just had to vent out here.

Catch you later!
Adam

Gilenya Watch... Day 12!!

Hola (or Holla if you so desire)

Today is the 12th day that I have been on Gilenya, and it has been quite the journey.

At first, I had mentioned that I had barely any side effects.  And damned if I didn't jinx myself.  For the past 72 hours, I have had pretty much ALL of the side effects

::insert angry face and shaking fist here::

The fatigue via slightly decreased heart rate has been there since day one, and has not let up.  Each day I find myself fading fast between noon and 3ish, but with a little sugar or coffee (most of the times together, and in copious amounts) I soldier on.  Then, out of no-where, a bunch of other side effects began hitting me in the middle of the night.  Because if there is ever a time when a side effect is most convenient, it's at 2:30 am.

So far it has been fever, a touch of insomnia (getting 3-4 hours a night,) eye pain, headaches, slight chills, and a waterlogged feeling when I take deep breaths.  This pretty much sums up all of the major, non-injection related side effects I had on all the other drugs.  So all things considered, I'd still take this drug over anything involving a needle.

oOo, I found the perfect disgruntled face to accompany my theoretical shaking fist:



(To quote Archer, which is possibly the best TV show out there...) To top this "suck salad," I get to sprinkle the bacon bits of having trouble procuring more Gilenya.  My insurance is dragging their feet in approving my shipment; but thankfully Novartis is sending me a stop-gap, 7 day supply.  Hopefully that resolves itself soon.

On another note, today marks my one year wedding anniversary.  It's been a year of extreme ups and downs, and my amazing wife has supported me through all of it.  She is my rock (to be cliched, but completely true.)  I am truly the luckiest man on earth, and I am grateful for every day she is by my side.

I'll let you all know what happens.

Until next time
Adam

Gilenya watch... 2014

Hello Everyone!

I have been on a sabbatical lately because I wanted to play something close to the vest.  I have just undergone the first dose observation for Gilenya!

I was finally able to schedule the first dosage for yesterday after a very arduous year of undergoing tests, getting vaccinations, and sifting through multiple sets of conflicting information and directions.  Even the scheduling of an appointment ended up being problematic, as it took several angry phone calls to get in touch with the scheduling department of my neurologists department.

I was cautiously optimistic after getting my appointment (funny enough, one person told me to show up at 8am and another called to confirm and told me to show up at 9am... I aired on the side of caution and showed up at 7:45am) due to issues I've had in the past with this neurologists office.  The only reason I put up with this place is because they are some of the most highly regarded MS specialists around.

All complaining aside, I got in early yesterday morning, and after a few pieces of paperwork, I got right in.  I was pleasantly surprised at how noninvasive the whole process was.  To re-cap, the first dosage of Gilenya must be monitored in a doctors office for at least 6 hours due to the potential of the drug lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.  I took my first pill at approximately 8am yesterday morning, and so far, so good.

The PA who was assigned to me throughout the day took my blood pressure and heart rate every 30 minutes on the dot between 8am and 2pm.  I wasn't allowed to leave the premises, and was made to walk around the office every hour or so.  The PA was very nice, and was even able to wrangle up the wifi password for my wife and I so we can get some work done (and watch some Hulu.)  Everything went smoothly, and my BP never really dropped the whole day.

Once the 6 hours were over with, I had to run and get an EKG.  That was the only frustrating part of the entire day.  I got right in at an urgent care center, but was unfortunately the victim of a student learning process.  It took an inordinate amount of time to get the EKG situated, which is frustrating since the test itself takes 30 seconds.

I have had about a half dozen EKGs in my time... and I have never had an issue with the sensors sticking to my skin.  That was, until yesterday.  Having a bit of hair coverage on my chest (not to Robin Williams levels, but still...) they were unable to get the probes to stick.  As you can guess, I now have 2 shaved patches on my chest (and several small cuts because they were a little too quick and dirty with the razor!)  But, again... complaining aside, everything was fine.

My pulse rate has dropped to about 60ish since I had gotten home last night.  I normally sit around 75ish, so I've been completely wiped out since yesterday morning.  For the past 30 hours or so, I have been struggling to stay awake; even though I actually slept for 10 of those hours.  I'm hoping this normalizes sooner rather than later.

I will keep on progress reporting as things move along.  The next step will be follow ups for my eyes (Gilenya can cause macular adema) and a follow up with the neurologist for blood work ups and MRI results... Fingers crossed, cause I wanna stay on this to avoid any more dang needles!

A bientot!
Adam