The Most Divisive Condiment Could Be a Big Part of Your Thanksgiving Meal
Are you #TeamCanned or #TeamFresh? These cooking hacks have us second guessing everything we thought we knew.
Roasting a turkey is a huge undertaking for many home chefs, and lots of hacks exist to make it the best tasting bird you’ll ever try.
But this year, one of the most divisive condiments could be making its way to your Thanksgiving table. The secret ingredient for juicy breasts, thighs, and more? That’d be mayonnaise.
At least, according to the Food Network, whose video for “Juicy Mayo Roasted Turkey” is making the social media rounds.
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The anti-mayo crowd is having a collective meltdown, with many wringing their hands and wondering if their hosts will slather the main Thanksgiving dish with their most despised dressing.
“No. Don’t do this to people,” commented @rachelmay427. “People who hate Mayo don’t care if you can taste it or not. If someone feed me a mayo turkey, I would lose it.”
Many who don’t mind the emulsified ingredients of eggs, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice are watching intently to learn more about how mayo can make turkey meat more flavorful and juicy.
Video creator Diane Morrisey explains how mayonnaise is a fat that adds flavor, keeps the natural juices inside, while also helping crisp the skin. Home chefs don’t have to constantly baste the turkey to keep it crispy and not dry out, saving lots of time that can be enjoyed with friends and family instead.
Even mayo king Hellmann’s got in on the fun:
Had a nightmare I forgot to use mayo and my Thanksgiving turkey turned out dry 😮💨
— Hellmann's (@Hellmanns) November 21, 2022
Another controversial Thanksgiving hot take is the New York Times’ recipe for homemade green bean casserole.
The prep time, ingredients, and cooking methods are simple enough — but even with a bit of love added in, those in the comments were still #TeamCanned all the way.
“Can’t beat the canned everything version,” Instagram user @housesinmotiontv said. “I’ve tried.”
“Waste of time. Canned is so good,” @joshua.s.amos added. “Same thing pumpkin pie filling. Canned is good.”
Speaking of cans, the folks at AdWeek made a video to show you the real way to get cranberry jelly/sauce/whatever it is, out of the can. Apparently, you need to turn it upside down.
@adweek Solving a #cranberrysauce mystery! #thanksgiving #christmas #recipes #foodtiktok #cranberrydreams @Ocean Spray Inc.
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“The cans are intentionally filled and labeled upside down to leave an air bubble at the top of the can,” the video explains. “It makes it easier to get the sauce out in one whole log.”
The ribbing in the can also allows you to easily slice the cranberry sauce into thinner rounds, so everyone can get a slice of tart jellied perfection.
Whether you slather mayo on everything, or think it’s a condiment-that-should-not-be-named, this year’s Thanksgiving is sure to be a special one. Impress your loved ones with these Thanksgiving hacks and you’ll be the talk of the table for sure!
