Brazilian's last minute doubts on a surprise Thanksgiving dinner.

My mom and I are throwing a surprise Thanksgiving dinner to a dear friend who lived in NY for 30 years.We went with a traditional menu,so not being those traditions OUR traditions,we have some last minute doubts:1)How long will it take to defrost an 8 pounds turkey? 2)We're planning to start roasting the bird 3 to 4 hours before guests arrive.Is that time enough? 3)What is the best way to serve a pumpkin pie...warm,room temperature or cold? 4)Could not find cranberries in Brazil...will raspberries do instead?

mensaque
  • Posted by: mensaque
  • November 21, 2011
  • 1655 views
  • 7 Comments

7 Comments

lloreen
lloreen November 21, 2011
What a sweet surprise! The truth is that cranberry sauce is the tradition, but people must not like it so much or they would eat cranberries other times of the year as well! Raspberry sauce would be delicious, but to mimic cranberry sauce I would choose a more acidic fruit. When I lived in France I used groseilles, (currants?) - do you have a bitter berry in Brazil? Cranberry sauce is slightly lip-puckering and a nice contrast to the bland turkey.
 
susan G.
susan G. November 21, 2011
Here's a suggestion -- from a woman chef in Portugal (who has lived in Brazil). http://www.food52.com/recipes/2183_ruby_red_chutney. Adjust to your preferences and to what's seasonal or available.
I'm going to try it for our Thanksgiving too.
What a sweet thing to do for your friend -- good luck!
 
drbabs
drbabs November 21, 2011
If I were your friend, i would be thrilled.
 
boulangere
boulangere November 21, 2011
Me, too!
 
SKK
SKK November 21, 2011
Chiming in here, I too would be thrilled. As a matter of fact, I am inspired by you and your plan!
 
Greenstuff
Greenstuff November 21, 2011
How fun! Raspberries are certainly not traditional, but if you made up a sauce that included some vinegar or other acid, you might be on to something great.
 
Kristen M.
Kristen M. November 21, 2011
1) Allow approximately 24 hours to defrost in the fridge for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a full 2 days should be sufficient. 2) It'll roast for between 2.5 - 3 hours at 325 degrees F (unstuffed), but be sure to monitor the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. 3) I like pumpkin pie room temperature. 4) Cranberry sauce is an opportunity to be creative -- you just want something a little tart and sweet to break up all the heavier food. Have fun!
 
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