Recipe for Distress
It was set to be the perfect holiday party. Now four hours into Thursday morning, you’re the one who feels like a turkey.
One still-frozen main dish, two plastered-to-the-counter pie crusts, a batch of boiled-over cranberries, and three “I need to relax” glasses of wine later, you’re ready to give the whole thing the bird.
You need a wingman, or two or three, to avoid tanking this giving day. Here are a few hotlines and websites ready to help keep you from getting burned. All hours are in Hawaii time.
Talking Turkey
Butterball Turkey Line – 1.800.288.8372
Weekdays, 4 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day
The original hotline offers advice on everything from defrosting to cooking your turkey and even leftover advice. Online you’ll find handy calculators to help you figure out how big a bird you need, roasting times, video guides, and biographies of all the turkey line experts as well as their favorite recipes. You can also tweet or Facebook your questions.
Honeysuckle White Help Line – 1.800.810.6325
For those times when you don’t want to talk to a person, Honeysuckle has a range of recorded tips available anytime of day.
Ham it Up
Kentucky Legend Ham Hotline – 1.866.343.5058
Weekdays, 5 a.m. – 3 p.m., closed on Thanksgiving
Cooking, serving, and portion planning advice for those planning to pig out Thursday.
On the Sides
Fleischman Yeast – 1.800.777.4959
Weekdays, 5:00 a.m. – noon, closed on Thanksgiving
When your baked goods aren’t rising to the occasion these experts are just a phone call away.
Crisco – 1.877.367.7438
5 a.m. – 3 p.m. today and tomorrow, then Dec. 12 – 22.
Tips to fixing those sticky, dry, or overworked crusts and other baking gaffes.
Ocean Spray Consumer Hotline – 1.800.662.3263
Weekdays, 4 -11 a.m., closed on Thanksgiving
Recipes and how-tos will get you on your cranberry way.
Handle with Care
University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources website
CTAHR links you to all you need to know about safe food handling and storage, including what to watch for when storing or buying spam musubi (who knew?)
Off the Table
If all else fails, Honolulu Magazine has a round up of restaurants offering great Thanksgiving menus. Then go to Open Table.com to see the full offerings and make your reservations now.
