Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson has stirred up some festive kitchen intrigue this Christmas season with her unconventional secret to preparing the perfect turkey. Known for her quirky cooking methods, Lawson has revealed her unusual technique of leaving the turkey outside for several days, protected by her son's skateboard, to create succulent meat that's both tender and flavorful.
Lawson, who shared her culinary secrets through her festive newsletter, elaborated on her turkey preparations, urging fans to brine their birds to achieve the ultimate flavor and texture. "You have only to try this method to be utterly convinced," she wrote.
The process involves submerging the turkey in brine—a mixture of water, salt, and mild spices—up to two days before cooking. This not only tenderizes the turkey but also enhances its taste, according to Lawson. "And, though you might find it hard to believe sight-unseen, a raw turkey covered in brine—with its oranges, cinnamon sticks, and scattering of spices—looks so beautiful as it steeps," she wrote. Fans of Lawson’s cooking seem to be embracing this brining technique; many proclaim they follow her advice annually.
Lawson humorously reflected on her turkey preparation, noting the risks involved when leaving meat outside. "It does mean everyone freezes, but who am I going to put first—my turkey or my family?" she mused. She explained how, before she had garden space, she would place the bird beside an open kitchen window, joking about freezing out her family for the sake of optimal turkey preparation.
To protect the turkey from local wildlife, particularly foxes, Lawson has crafted her outdoor solution: using her son’s skateboard as a cover. "If I've got a bucket or bin out in the open, I cover it twice with foil and then put my son's skateboard on top to prevent foxy foraging," she advised.
The culinary sensation has solidified her reputation for embracing unique food practices, having previously featured insight on various unconventional recipes from Coca-Cola ham to banana skin curry. Her brining method has not only defined her approach to festive cooking but has also been playfully referenced within popular culture, having appeared as a light-hearted jab on the British television show 'Gavin & Stacey.'
Lawson's festive newsletter also touched on broader themes within holiday meal preparations, including her approach to accommodating fussy eaters during Christmas. She stated, "I ignore fussy eaters at Christmas." Her philosophy remains straightforward: if guests are only attending for the holiday meal, they’ll survive whatever culinary offerings are set before them. "There is always enough out there to eat," she pointed out, emphasizing the abundance typically found at holiday feasts.
With her famous book 'How To Eat' released back in 1998 and more recent titles like 'Cook, Eat, Repeat,' Lawson remains relevant by continually engaging her audience. Her fans appreciate her witty insights and hands-on tactics, valuing her approachable style. The feedback on her festive recipe suggests patrons relish the idea of breaking from tradition with feasible, creative techniques.
This year, Lawson's unique method demonstrates not only her culinary prowess but also embodies the spirit of making holiday cooking both accessible and humorous. Whether it's leaving turkeys out with skateboards or ignoring dietary fussiness, she combines practicality with joy, making the holiday season all about feasting, laughter, and well-deserved family time. If anything’s certain, it’s this: Lawson’s unconventional turkey preparation might just inspire cooks everywhere to adopt her methods, complete with skateboards and all!
