gThankYou! | Celebrating Work

Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates by gThankYou!

Liz King — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:08:29 +0000

Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates – The Perfect Holiday Gift for Employees!

Recognize your employees’ achievements this holiday season with a gThankYou! Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificate.

Everyone likes to feel appreciated, especially during the holidays. And a thoughtful gift of food this time of year is especially appreciated by all. Imagine your employees’ warm feelings when you hand them a gThankYou! Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificate, along with one of our cheery seasonal Enclosure Cards.

Joyful Snowman

Employees appreciate the convenience and practicality of your holiday gift—recipients can redeem their certificates for either a whole turkey or half or whole ham, at just about any store, anytime. You’ll be front and center in recipients’ thoughts as their gThankYou! gift of a ham or turkey enlivens their holiday tables. And the gift will keep on giving as they enjoy delicious leftovers, courtesy of you.

It’s not too late to share your gratitude with employees this holiday season. Give the perfect holiday gift: a gThankYou! Turkey Or Ham Certificate of Gratitude gift along with one of our free customizable Enclosure Cards with your personal message and company logo.

And during this season of gratitude, we at gThankYou! wish you, our readers, the happiest of holidays this year and always. Peace and joy to you and your families, and Happy New Year!

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime. gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.

gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.
Follow the Company Blog – “Celebrating Work”.
Watch our gThankYou! YouTube Video – “Learn More About Us”.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: Employee Gifts, Showing Gratitude to Employees, Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates, Workplace Gifts

The Perfect Turkey Sandwich by gThankYou!

Liz King — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:13:07 +0000

Seriously.

There are a few recipes in my files that I’m extremely proud of. I make an awesome cranberry raspberry pie. My trays of holiday cookies are works of art. And my crème brulee? Killer. But it is my perfect turkey sandwich that consistently amazes my friends and dinner guests.

I think it’s because sandwiches seem so pedestrian, so unassuming. How magical could they be? They are, after all, just condiments and protein slapped between two pieces of bread, right? Making a sandwich doesn’t even count as cooking, and it certainly doesn’t need instructions.

But this turkey sandwich. . . it is superlative. It is stunning in its flavor combinations – a perfect blend of salty, sweet, creamy and crunchy and the best use of leftover Thanksgiving or Holiday turkey ever created.

Start with marbled rye – it’s bread with attitude, with depth of flavor and an artistic flair. Toast it, or not. This is up to you. Either way, it is the greatest foundation for your mind-blowing turkey sandwich.

On one piece of the bread, spread cranberry mustard. (You can buy various versions at grocery and specialty food stores.) If prepared cran-mustard is not available for some reason, you can also mix leftover whole berry cranberry sauce with good quality Dijon mustard. The result should be sweet, tart, spicy and gorgeous – a beautiful burgundy color. Apply liberally.

Layer thin sliced turkey breast on next. Make sure you don’t overload the sandwich here – the amount of turkey should not exceed the sum of the other filling ingredients. Balance, as in all things, is key.

Next comes bacon. Oh yes. Three to four pieces of lovely, smoky, salty fried bacon. No you can’t use turkey bacon to substitute. No you can’t leave it off the sandwich because of the calorie count. Commit to running an extra hour on the treadmill and enjoy these crispy slices of pork heaven. They are not optional.

Lastly, the most temperamental ingredient — top the bacon with quarter-in thick slices of perfectly ripe avocado. Now I know what you’re thinking: avocados are only perfectly ripe for approximately 60 seconds in their life cycle. They seem to morph from granite hard to brown mush in an afternoon, and unless you live in California, they are out of season for most of the year. Never mind all that. Pinch every avocado at your supermarket until you find one with no blemishes, and just the right amount of give to the touch. Then rush home and assemble your sandwich. There is no time to lose!

At this point some people would add sprouts. I would not. Some would add a thin layer of mayo. But it’s not necessary if your avocados are appropriately luscious and creamy.

Cut in half. Serve with sweet potato chips (again, perfect sweet, salty, crispy, crunchy counterpoint). Enjoy. And give thanks all over again that there’s lots more leftover turkey in the fridge.

You’re welcome.

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: All Recipes, Turkey Gift Certificates, Turkey Recipes

The Best Turkey Leftover – Turkey Pot Pie

Liz King — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:06:03 +0000

Around here, we love turkey leftovers! Growing up, we made an enormous Butterball turkey for Thanksgiving and ate it in one form or another until Christmas. And then we made another one. Turkey wasn’t a food group, it was a season. We had no choice but to embrace reheated plates of turkey and potatoes, warmed up, gooey green bean casserole, and fermented cranberry relish. As I got older I branched out, trying lots of new recipes with turkey as the star ingredient.

Of all the leftover dishes I’ve tried, turkey pot pie is consistently the best. And it’s a recipe that can be adapted to whatever you like, and what’s in the fridge. Here are the basics:

Turkey
Chop 1-2 cups of cooked turkey into bite-size pieces.

Veggies (This is a perfect way to use the leftovers from the relish tray!)

½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced carrot
½ cup peas
½ cup diced celery
1 cup sliced mushrooms

Sauté them in butter until crisp-cooked. Mix vegetables and turkey in large bowl until combined.

(You can also use leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, diced squash, corn, or green beans if that’s what you’ve got on hand.)

Gravy
Add gravy to generously coat all ingredients. Start with your leftover gravy from Thanksgiving. If you don’t have enough you can use canned chicken or turkey gravy, or make more.

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup whipping cream

Melt butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour until completely combined into a paste. Cook for one minute. Add broth all at once, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil. When it has thickened, add wine (if desired) and whipping cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Herbs
Chopped parsley, sage, chives, or thyme make nice additions to the pie. Add to taste.

Crust
After you pour the gravy, turkey, and veggies in a large casserole dish, decided what kind of crust you like. You can use:

• A tube of refrigerated biscuit dough
• Pre-made puff pastry (thawed)
• Leftover mashed potatoes, mixed with an egg and some grated Parmesan cheese
• Pre-made pie crust (flat folded sheets found in the refrigerated section)
• Bisquick biscuit recipe

Place your crust of choice over the filling, making sure there are slits for the steam to escape. Bake at 350 F until the topping is browned and cooked through, and the filling is hot and bubbly. Serve with leftover cranberry sauce and enjoy!

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: All Recipes, Turkey Gift Certificates, Turkey Recipes

Turkey Leftovers – What You Must Know

Liz King — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:44:32 +0000

Ah leftovers. . . for most of us, a welcome part of a Thanksgiving or Holiday turkey tradition. Let’s face it, there’s nothing like a slab of leftover stuffing and turkey cold cuts to bring a holiday flavor to your lunchbox. And turkey is remarkably versatile. The white meat particularly can be used in a plethora of creative recipes in place of chicken, from soups and casseroles, to enchiladas and chili.

And although it may seem to some of the pickier eaters in the family that leftover Holiday turkey lasts forever, alas, it is not so. According to food safety experts, you have a relatively short window to enjoy the best of the rest of your bird.

Basically, from the time you take the turkey out of the oven, you have 2 hours to serve it, eat it, and then refrigerate or freeze the leftovers – the turkey, stuffing and gravy. Why just two hours? Because bacteria that cause food poisoning can multiply to dangerous levels on perishable food left longer than 2 hours at room temperature.

To preserve the Holiday Turkey flavor safely, do not dawdle. After dinner and before dessert you should remove the meat from the bones, cut large pieces into small pieces, and store in airtight containers. (That’s because food in small amounts will get cold more quickly.) Leftover turkey will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Stuffing and gravy should be used within 1 or 2 days. Just to be on the safe side, you should reheat leftover gravy to a rolling boil before serving.

If you’d like to extend your turkey leftover experience into the new year, put your airtight packages of cooked turkey goodness in the freezer, with the date clearly marked. That will give you up to 6 months to find just the right recipe. . . and May is a lovely time for turkey tetrazzini.

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: All Recipes, Turkey Gift Certificates, Turkey Recipes

Five Ways to Feel Grateful

Liz King — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:36:12 +0000

According to Mike McCullough, Director of the Evolution and Human Behavior Laboratory at the University of Miami, it seems gratitude soothes the savage beast in all of us. Not that anyone is actually a beast, but research supports that by showing your employees gratitude, not only does it help them – it also helps you feel happier and remarkably, sleep better.

The New York Times posted this interesting data in a fascinating article by John Tierney, “Findings: A Serving of Gratitude May Save the Day“.

“Cultivating an ‘attitude of gratitude’ links to better health, sounder sleep, less anxiety and depression, higher long-term satisfaction with life and kinder behavior toward others, including romantic partners. A new study shows that feeling grateful makes people less likely to turn aggressive when provoked.”

Show Gratitude During the Holidays
A Clinical Psychology Review study by Alex Wood et.al lays out the details if you are interested. So if you missed the opportunity to show employees your appreciation at Thanksgiving, the upcoming Holiday season gives you a second chance.

Gratitude Lite
Not feeling it? The Times quotes the University of California, Davis’ Robert Emmons , author of Thanks! and other books on gratitude. Emmons recommends starting out with “gratitude lite.” He and colleague Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami conducted experiments, asking people to keep a brief, weekly “gratitude journal” listing five things they felt thankful for, like a beautiful sunset or a friend’s kindness.

After two months, the journalers were more optimistic, felt happier, reported fewer physical problems and spent more time working out, than control group members . They also fell asleep more quickly at night, slept longer and woke up feeling more refreshed. Wow!

Five Ways to Feel Grateful
The New York Times article includes five tips experts offer for getting in the spirit:

Do something nice for a family member:
Do one small kindness for a relative at your holiday celebration – listen attentively to yawn-worthy recollections, say thank you for a thoughtful gesture, or express admiration for a talent.

Turn the other cheek:
If you count your blessings, you’ll be less likely to retaliate if a coworker or family member delivers a typically snarky comment. Say something positive instead and awaken that person’s empathy—they’ll pass the gratitude along.

Share the wealth:
When you show gratitude, people realize they mean a lot to you, perhaps more than they thought. It’s a great way to uplift yourself and others.

Pay a gratitude visit:
Write a very specific 300-word letter to someone who has changed your life for the better. Deliver it in person and read it aloud. “You’ll be happier in one month,” guarantees University of Pennsylvania’s Martin Seligman in a New York Times quote from his book, Flourish.

Seek “deep gratitude”:
The New York Times quotes Emmons: “As a culture, we have lost a deep sense of gratefulness about the freedoms we enjoy, a lack of gratitude toward those who lost their lives in the fight for freedom, a lack of gratitude for all the material advantages we have. The focus of [the holidays] should be a reflection of how our lives have been made so much more comfortable by the sacrifices of those who have come before us.”

Recognize Your Employees
Got your gratitude on? This holiday season, thank your employees for their diligence. Be specific about how their efforts have fostered your organization’s growth and success in 2011. We’ve said it before, but a holiday Turkey Or Ham Certificate of Gratitude from gThankYou says “We appreciate all you do for us”. Pass along the gratitude – you and your recipient will both benefit.

Happy Holidays!

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: Gratitude, Gratitude Research, Management & Leadership, Showing Gratitude to Employees

News Release: gThankYou Announces New Winter Holiday Enclosure Cards

Liz King — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:43:51 +0000

gThankYou announces new festive Enclosure Cards for the Winter Holidays. These fun seasonal Winter and Holiday themed Enclosure Cards can be customized with your personal message and Company Logo, making them the perfect addition to your holiday gThankYou! Certificate of Gratitude Gift.

Gingerbread House

“It’s the season of gratitude and the perfect time to recognize and reward employee’s hard work and contributions over this past year”, says Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer of gThankYou. “A gift of a whole turkey or ham, groceries or even holiday pie can brighten someone’s day this time of year and for many, may be an important contribution to a holiday meal celebration for their family. A thoughtful gift of food at the holidays is appreciated by all.”

gThankYou! Gift Certificates offer company leaders a convenient way to recognize and reward workplace success, holiday time or anytime. gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude come in a variety of meaningful yet affordable varieties including: Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates, Turkey or Ham Gift Certificates, and Grocery Gift Certificates, as well as, Other Popular Varieties (such as Pie, Ice Cream, Pizza and Fruit & Vegetables). Recipients choose any Brand and can shop at virtually any Grocery store nationwide.

gThankYou! Enclosure Cards are provided free with purchase of any variety of gThankYou! Gift Certificates. What’s more, gThankYou! Enclosure Cards can be customized with your personal message and company logo. And, nearly all orders still ship same day. You’ll find these new Enclosure Card designs plus other Winter Holiday favorites on the gThankYou! website.

New Winter Holiday Enclosure Cards:

Holly Berries

Joyful Snowman

Crystal Snowflake

Holly Border

Penguin Dance

Starry Tree

Peace Dove

Gingerbread House

gThankYou! Enclosure Cards are available for all seasons and variety of occasions; gThankYou also offers Autumn and Thanksgiving Enclosure Cards, Spring and Summer Enclosure Cards, and many More Enclosure Cards.

gThankYou! Gift Certificates are the ideal workplace gift and appreciated by all. Share your gratitude today!

About gThankYou

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts. gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime. gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.

gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.

Follow the company blog – “Celebrating Work”.
Watch our gThankYou! YouTube Video – “Learn More About Us”.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

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Filed under: * News Releases - gThankYou!, Employee Gifts, Enclosure Cards, Grocery Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates, Turkey Gift Certificates, Winter - Holiday Cards

Thanksgiving Dinner Favorites – Updated

Liz King — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:47:00 +0000

Thanksgiving may be the only time of year when the entire U.S. orders dinner off the same menu. Everyone knows the basics ingredients for a successful turkey day – mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and cranberries. These are tried and true side dishes that are as American as the Norman Rockwell painting that codified their place at the table. But, like the Volkswagen Beetle, even the classics can benefit from some updating! Try these twists on the standard fare and liven up your Thanksgiving table this year.

Mashed Potatoes
Why not add a little spice? After the potatoes are boiled and mashed (we use lots of butter and heart-clogging half & half), add one of these combinations for a delicious update to a traditional favorite.

* Bacon, cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions
* Pureed fennel and rosemary
* Half and half, basil, and Parmesan cheese
* Canned pumpkin, sage, and nutmeg
* Leeks, chives, and crème fraiche

Stuffing
Stuffing is the ultimate blank canvas – dried bread cubes and broth — so add lots of color and flavor with these tasty variations:

* Apple, bacon, and onion
* Wild mushrooms and leeks
* Wild rice, dried cranberries, and pecans
* Andouille sausage and green and red peppers

Cranberries
If Aunt Sally just has to have cranberries in jellied form, oozed out of the can and cut in rounds, fine. But why not serve one of these cranberry dishes alongside for everyone else to enjoy?

* Try this not too sweet, Cranberry Sauce with Port and Cinnamon by Epicurious, an adult favorite.

* Mix raw cranberries with apples and orange in this refreshing Cranberry Relish by Simply Recipes.

* Or on a salad! We love this baby spinach salad with roasted onions, pecans, dried cranberries and goat cheese from our friends at the FoodNetwork.com.

After all, we should be thankful for a variety of creative food on our table this Thanksgiving!

Happy cooking!

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658. Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at blog.gthankyou.com.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: All Recipes, Fruits & Vegetables Gift Certificates, Turkey Recipes, Vegetable Recipes

Putting the “Thanks” in Thanksgiving

Liz King — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:06:29 +0000

Your employees work hard for you all year, and what better season to show your appreciation and gratitude than now, as we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. Whether it’s with a gift of a Thanksgiving Turkey or a handwritten thank-you note, your gratitude will be appreciated. It’s the perfect time to put the “thanks” in Thanksgiving.

1. Deliver Your Gifts Personally
If your budget allows for a Thanksgiving gift, and you can, deliver your gift personally to employees, with a handshake, a smile and a thank you. After all, as Doug Conant , former Campbell’s Soup CEO and the architect of a successful turnaround there says, “You’re on display 24/7. It’s not the words on the wall; it’s how you show up in every interaction.”

In an interview on Rules for Leaders at ChiefExecutive.net, Conant urges CEOs to recognize the importance of every exchange with employees, no matter how small. He’s so passionate about this topic, he co-wrote a book around this subject that you might enjoy, TouchPoints: Creating Powerful Leadership Connections in the Smallest of Moments.

2. Send Them with a Personal Thank You Note
If a gift isn’t in the budget this year, or personal delivery isn’t practical, send a handwritten thank you note to each employee. Making that connection early with employees, and always looking for opportunities to celebrate them, is a great way to strengthen your relationship.

A personal thank you means a lot to employees. Says Conant in his HBS blog “Secrets of Positive Feedback”, “believe it or not, I’ve sent roughly 30,000 handwritten notes to employees … over the last decade”. While some react that thank you notes are a waste of time, Conant says in his experience they “build goodwill and boost productivity”.

Include a Quote
For a change, consider using an inspirational quote to express your thanks. Although you’ll probably want to echo William Shakespeare’s tone in the play Twelfth Night,

“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks,”

rather than former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli…

“I feel a very unusual sensation—if it is not indigestion,
I think it must be gratitude.”

Sorry, we couldn’t resist—these quotes and more are available at The Quote Garden. Another favorite resource is Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations.

Thank You Note Templates by Lynn Gaertner-Johnson
Not sure where to start, or looking for a different approach for your thank you note? Lynn Gaertner-Johnston, founder of Syntax Training, offers these and more thank you note templates in her Business Writing blog:

“Employee “Thank You”:

Dear ______________ [name],

During this month of Thanksgiving, I have been reflecting on the things I am most grateful for. Primary among them is our talented group of employees.

Thank you for the work you do to make our organization great. You help us provide award-winning services to our clients. Without your commitment, creativity, and high standards, we would not be the thriving company we are. I am very grateful for your efforts.

I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with abundance and bright moments.

Warm wishes,
______________ [name of senior executive or manager]

Brief “Thank You” to Employees:

Thank you for everything you do to make this a successful, terrific place to work. Have a wonderful, long weekend filled with good things!

Happy Thanksgiving!”

In addition to Lynn’s examples, you can also find sample employee thank you letters online at Thank You Notes & Cards.

3. Show Your Thanks
If you prefer, show your thanks by dedicating an initiative desired by employees and hold a “thank you” party to roll out introduction. Or, poll employees as to their top choice for “giving back” to your community and organize an all company (that means Management too) community service project. A great way to put the “thanks” into Thanksgiving is rolling up your sleeves with employees to work together to help those in need.

Regardless of your style and how you do it, connecting with employees and taking the opportunity to thank them, when ever you can, pays dividends for everyone.

All the best for a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Send Us Your Stories
How do you put the “thanks” into Thanksgiving at your workplace?

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658. Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at blog.gthankyou.com.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: Employee Gifts, Gratitude, Management & Leadership, Rewards & Recognition, Showing Gratitude to Employees, Thank You, The Art of Thank You, Turkey Gift Certificates, Workplace Gifts

Thanksgiving Turkey – When is it Done?

Liz King — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:40:12 +0000

The appointed hour has arrived: it’s time for you and dozens of your relatives and friends to gather around the dining room table, stretched out to its full capacity for the most celebrated meal of the year –Thanksgiving. But, like a weary child from the backseat during a cross-country trip, one question nags at you: Are we there yet? Am I sure the turkey’s done?

For cooks who are afraid of disappointing all their aunts, uncles and cousins on a national holiday, here is a quick list of tell-tale signs that your Thanksgiving turkey is ready for its grand entrance.

It’s golden brown.
The skin of the turkey often browns early in the baking process, so this alone won’t tell you it’s done, but it’s a delicious indicator that you’re getting closer.
It has baked for the recommended time, at the recommended temperature.
This is one case when reading the directions will save all kinds of heartache (and tummy aches!). Your turkey likely came with specific instructions on thawing and cooking the bird. If not, the USDA has a handy website on safely cooking Turkey which you can check out.
It wiggles.
When you gently pull on the end of the drumstick, the turkey leg will wiggle easily, with almost no resistance. If you have to force the drumstick away from the body of the bird, it’s not quite ready.
The juices run clear.
You’ve shaken hands with the turkey, now it’s time to give it a poke. Insert a knife at least an inch into the breast. When you remove it, look for lovely turkey juices to come bubbling up. If they are clear, that meat is cooked. If they are cloudy or pink, it’s still got some time in the oven. (Remember to drain off all those wonderful juices after you remove the turkey from the pan – they are a great base for gravy!)
It’s feeling the heat.
Some turkeys come with built-in “pop-up” thermometers, which should tell you when the internal temperature of the bird has reached 165°. Even if your turkey has its own plastic gauge, it’s a good idea to invest in an instant-read meat thermometer, just to double-check. Insert the tip of the meat thermometer in the thigh muscle just above the lower part of the thighbone (but not touching the bone!). In about 15 seconds you’ll have a definitive answer.

And as anxious as everyone is to dig in, you’ll be even more thankful that you let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes after you took it out of the oven. Set it on a heat-proof surface and drape it with a tent of aluminum foil, while you get all the accoutrements ready to serve. The turkey will be juicier and also, easier to carve.

So now that you know it’s done. . .the only big question left is, “who’s going to do the dishes?”

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658. Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at blog.gthankyou.com.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: All Recipes, Preparing Whole Turkey, Turkey Gift Certificates, Turkey Recipes

Thanksgiving Turkey – Where Does the Thermometer Go?

Liz King — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:46:37 +0000

It’s that age-old question, where do you put the meat thermometer in a turkey?

You may have spent days looking at recipes, brining your Thanksgiving turkey, and finding just the right ingredients for some amazing stuffing, but if you serve raw turkey at your next Thanksgiving dinner, all that effort will be wasted. (Not to mention a lot of good food!) Fortunately, there’s a very simple way to make sure your turkey is cooked properly – just look in the housewares section of your grocery store for a meat thermometer. Follow the instructions below for proper use and rest assured — your bird will be perfect! Oven-safe or instant-read, a meat thermometer is a good investment in great taste!

Whole Turkey
The tip of the meat thermometer should be placed in the thigh, just above the lower part of the thighbone (but not touching the bone!), pointing toward the body. For the stuffing temperature, the tip of the thermometer should be in the center of the body cavity.

Whole Breast and Boneless Turkey Roasts
Similar to the whole turkey, you should insert your thermometer deep into thickest part of the meat, not touching any bone. (Bone conducts heat differently than the meat of the bird, so if it may give a false reading if they touch.)

Instant Read Thermometers
Remove the turkey from the oven and place the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. It will register the temperature of your turkey within 15 seconds. If it needs more time, be sure NOT to pop the thermometer in the oven with your turkey. Instant read thermometers were not designed to withstand hours of high temperatures.

Oven Safe Thermometers
Insert the thermometer in the deepest part of the thigh before you put the raw turkey in the oven. You can leave the thermometer in during the entire cooking process, and check the temperature dial periodically while it roasts. If the thermometer moves while the turkey is baking, simply reposition it.

What’s the Magic Number?
Turkey and stuffing are safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. Many like the deep thigh meat temperature at 180 °F.

Even if your turkey has a “pop-up” plastic thermometer, it’s a good idea to double-check with a trusty thermometer of your own.

Happy cooking!

About gThankYou, LLC

gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658. Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at blog.gthankyou.com.

“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Filed under: All Recipes, Preparing Whole Turkey, Turkey Gift Certificates, Turkey Recipes