November 9, 2010

Thanksgiving:  The Main Event

Bergen Mama's Thanksgiving Guide

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As if we don’t have enough to think about, mamas everywhere must pull together a veritable feast lickety.  Ideal scenario: cook enough yummy fare to send all members of the family (especially mother-in-law) into a food coma that lasts the rest of the day, relieving us of any further duties or conversation.

Do we go Free Range or Organic, Kosher or Farm Raised? Do we brine it, fry it, or just roast the darn bird? Gosh, the options these days would overwhelm even the hardest working pilgrim.  So here’s what we cooked up to make planning just a little bit easier.

The Main Event
DIY: We like Fairway and Whole Foods Market.  Both stores offer a huge range of quality meats and options from free-range and organic to kosher birds, even some pre-brined and oven ready.  (Order by Sat. Nov 20th for Fairway or by Tuesday November 23rd for Whole Foods, prices start at $49.99 for an 8 to 10 pound bird)

No fuss: Check out WannaBee Chef’s Thanksgiving menu.  They’ve got pre-cooked, all natural, vegetarian fed birds served with house-made stuffing.  Try their Herb-Rubbed version or Tandoori Infused for a twist.  Orders must be placed by November 19th.  (Turkeys start at $110.00 and feed 10 to 12 people, 18 Union Ave, Cresskill 201-503-0335)

Old School:  Hit Goffle Road Poultry Farm in Wyckoff.  The live market poultry farm’s pampered birds are allowed to roam free, never given any hormones or steroids and feed on grains, corn and other vegetarian fare.  Order at least one week in advance to give the turkey time to tenderize and sit after processing.  ($2.19 per pound, order early to ensure availability, 201-444-3238)

Savory Things
In need of delectable sides?  Call Food for Thought and feast on their Brioche Stuffing or Green Bean Casserole topped with a Parmesan Crust.($4.95 per pound, Call Lisa at 201-227-9119)  And dress up your table with a basket of Cranberry Pecan Bread from Balthazar Bakery, whose crusty loaves are baked fresh daily using only the best ingredients. (214 South Dean St, Englewood)

Sweet Things
When you hear the name Cherry’s Pies, you assume Cherry Pie is a specialty of the house.  Not the case.  However, the namesake bakery of Darlene Cherry-Shand does offer varieties like pumpkin, pecan and chocolate pecan.  Ms. Cherry’s pies are singlehandedly the best dish you can purchase to bring to your host’s home, or serve for your own holiday.  We admit we developed a little fixation after tasting the sweet potato pie, perfectly flavored and light, and weren’t surprised to learn that the recipe was passed down by generations of her North Carolina ancestry.  Bonus:  she will deliver these treats right to your door. (201-837-8670, order one week in advance, pies cost between $10 and $18 and serve 15 people)

So set the table.  Serve up your Thanksgiving dinner and watch your family gobble it up.