The 2023 Alison Roman Thanksgiving Special Has Arrived | Home Movies with Alison Roman

Alison Roman

8 Nov 202358:45

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this delightful and humorous 'Home Movies' transcript, the host Alison Roman and David prepare for a Thanksgiving feast with a modern and relaxed twist. They discuss the stress and joy of the holiday, opting for a stress-free approach to cooking. The episode features Alison's innovative take on Thanksgiving classics, including a simplified turkey preparation focusing on dark meat, a round and crispy stuffing baked in an unconventional round dish, and a unique caramelized maple tart that captures the essence of pumpkin pie without the pumpkin. Alison shares her love for FreshDirect, a grocery delivery service that simplifies her shopping experience, especially for heavy items. The transcript is filled with Alison's cooking philosophies, humorous banter with David, and a commitment to quality and flavor, making it an entertaining read for anyone interested in a fresh perspective on Thanksgiving cooking.

Takeaways

🍽️ The host emphasizes a stress-free approach to Thanksgiving cooking, focusing on being prepared and enjoying the process rather than feeling frantic.
🦃 A unique turkey cooking method is presented: slow roasting only the dark meat (legs and thighs) over many hours, akin to a confit, which results in a delicious and moist outcome.
🌾 The importance of making turkey stock from roasted bones is highlighted for a rich gravy, even if one doesn't plan on making gravy, to enhance the overall Thanksgiving meal.
🍖 The idea of dry brining the turkey and allowing it to sit overnight is shared as a method to ensure a flavorful result.
🥔 A discussion on mashed potatoes reveals a preference for a creamy, lump-free texture, with a focus on using a ricer for the best results, although the host later expresses dissatisfaction with the ricer.
🥔 An alternative potato dish is introduced: a crispy, creamy gratin with scallions and herbs, baked at a high temperature for a unique take on a classic side.
🥗 A salad is deemed essential for the meal, with the host advocating for the inclusion of fresh, acidic, and crunchy elements to balance out the heavier dishes.
🍰 Dessert options are debated, with the pumpkin pie being a contentious topic, and a decision to make a caramelized maple tart that captures the essence of pumpkin pie without the pumpkin.
🧄 The use of FreshDirect for grocery shopping is praised for its convenience, especially for heavy or bulk items, and a promo code is offered for new customers.
🍗 A spontaneous decision to roast additional turkey wings for their flavor and texture is made, showcasing the host's willingness to adapt the menu based on taste preferences.
🍂 The overall theme of the Thanksgiving meal is one of indulgence, with rich, flavorful dishes that cater to adult tastes, and a focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Home Movies' episode discussed in the transcript?
-The main theme of the episode is Thanksgiving, focusing on preparing a Thanksgiving meal and discussing various aspects and traditions associated with the holiday.
What is Alison's approach to Thanksgiving this year?
-Alison's approach to Thanksgiving this year is to embrace a stress-free way of preparing the meal, focusing on groundedness, preparedness, and simplicity rather than frantic last-minute cooking.
What is David's role in the conversation?
-David is a participant in the conversation, engaging with Alison about Thanksgiving preparations, sharing his own experiences and thoughts, and providing a dynamic dialogue for the episode.
Why does Alison decide to make turkey stock even though she is not making gravy?
-Alison decides to make turkey stock because she believes that the quality of the gravy depends on the quality of the stock, and she wants to ensure a flavorful gravy for the Thanksgiving meal.
What is Alison's solution to cooking turkey without it drying out?
-Alison's solution is to cook only the dark meat of the turkey, specifically the leg and thigh, slow-roasted over many hours using a method similar to a confit with olive oil or chicken fat.
How does Alison feel about people trying to add unique twists to traditional Thanksgiving dishes?
-Alison is not in favor of adding unique twists to traditional Thanksgiving dishes. She prefers to keep the dishes classic and as they are traditionally prepared.
What is Alison's opinion on cranberry sauce?
-Alison believes in having both a canned jelly cranberry sauce and a fresh one made with cranberries. She thinks the canned version is sweet and weird but feels right for Thanksgiving, while the fresh one is more acidic and has more texture.
The turkey wings are significant because they are used to make turkey stock for the gravy, and Alison discovers during the episode that she finds the wings themselves to be delicious, leading to a decision to roast more for the Thanksgiving meal.
-null
Why does Alison choose to make a caramelized maple tart instead of a traditional pumpkin pie for dessert?
-Alison chooses to make a caramelized maple tart because she believes it captures the essence of what people want in a pumpkin pie but without the pumpkin. It sits in the center of the Venn diagram between pumpkin and pecan pie.
What is the importance of the FreshDirect service mentioned in the transcript?
-FreshDirect is highlighted as a convenient grocery delivery service that Alison uses for shopping, especially for heavy items and when preparing for events like Thanksgiving. It offers the option to schedule deliveries in advance and make changes to the order up to a certain time before delivery.
How does Alison feel about the process of making mashed potatoes in the episode?
-Alison has a strong preference for mashed potatoes with texture and lumps, which she believes is a luxury. She is not a fan of overly smooth mashed potatoes and uses a ricer for a creamy version, while also preparing a lumpy version using a wooden spoon.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Reunion and Thanksgiving Preparations

David and Alison express their excitement about reuniting for Thanksgiving after much anticipation. They discuss the joy of being together and the comfort of familiar Thanksgiving traditions. David emphasizes his love for Thanksgiving and the importance of giving thanks. They also touch upon the challenges of preparing for the holiday, including recipe planning and the scarcity of chairs, but maintain a light-hearted and humorous tone throughout the conversation.

05:00

🍽️ Thanksgiving Menu and Cooking Tips

The hosts delve into their Thanksgiving menu, which includes making turkey stock from roasted bones and addressing the importance of a good gravy. They discuss the appeal of turkey wings and legs, the process of roasting them, and the decision to serve them as part of the meal. David shares his preference for seasoning meat 24 hours in advance. The paragraph also includes a promotional mention of FreshDirect, a grocery delivery service, and offers a discount code for new customers.

10:02

🍰 Dessert Decisions and Cranberry Sauce Debate

The conversation shifts to dessert, where various traditional favorites like apple pie, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie are mentioned. The hosts discuss their personal preferences and Alison decides on making a caramelized maple tart as a compromise to the classic pumpkin pie. The discussion moves to cranberry sauce, where different opinions on the sauce's preparation are highlighted, but Alison advocates for the convenience and taste of canned cranberry sauce.

15:03

🥘 Stuffing and Gravy Preparation

Alison shares her recipe for classic Thanksgiving stuffing, emphasizing the importance of using stale bread and the structure it provides. The paragraph also covers the process of making gravy from the turkey stock, including techniques for browning butter and thickening the gravy with flour. The humor continues with a 'Bird Box' reference, and the importance of patience and time in the cooking process is stressed.

20:06

🥔 Mashed Potatoes and Green Bean Preparation

The paragraph focuses on the preparation of mashed potatoes, with a debate on whether they should be lumpy or smooth. Alison shares her preference for a textured, rustic mash and provides a detailed method for achieving a creamy texture using a ricer. The making of green beans is also covered, with Alison's choice to braise them with lemon, chili, and garlic for a bright and punchy side dish.

25:07

🍠 Squash and Potato Gratin

The hosts discuss the preparation of various types of squash, including honeynut and butternut, and the decision to roast them alongside the turkey. Alison also introduces a potato gratin, which involves boiling, crushing potatoes, and baking them with cream and scallions until crispy. The importance of presentation and the adult appeal of the dishes are highlighted.

30:09

🥗 The Importance of Salad

Alison argues for the necessity of having a salad at Thanksgiving, despite common objections. She outlines her ideal salad, which includes toasted pecans, tart apple, crunchy fennel, bitter greens, and a dressing made with sherry vinegar and honey. The salad is described as a refreshing contrast to the heavier dishes of the Thanksgiving meal.

35:09

🍗 Turkey Roasting and Side Dish Cooking

The paragraph details the process of roasting turkey legs and quarters, with a focus on dry brining and slow roasting for optimal flavor and texture. Alison also discusses the simultaneous roasting of squash and potatoes at the same temperature for convenience. The decision to roast turkey wings for an extra crispy element is mentioned, adding a unique touch to the traditional Thanksgiving spread.

40:09

🎉 Thanksgiving Celebration

The culmination of the Thanksgiving meal preparation is described, with the hosts expressing satisfaction with the outcome of their dishes. Guests' reactions to the round stuffing and other dishes are shared, highlighting the success of the meal. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the personal growth and joy found in cooking for loved ones and the appreciation for the viewers of their 'Home Movies'.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a time for family gatherings and feasting on traditional dishes. In the video, Thanksgiving is the central theme, with the hosts preparing a festive meal and discussing the holiday's significance.

💡Turkey

Turkey is a large bird and the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving meals. It is often roasted and served with stuffing and gravy. In the script, the preparation of turkey is a significant part of the Thanksgiving celebration, with discussions on how to cook it to avoid dryness and the decision to cook only the dark meat.

💡Gravy

Gravy is a sauce made from the juices that come out of meat, especially roasts, mixed with other ingredients like flour and stock. It is a traditional accompaniment to roast turkey. The video emphasizes the importance of making a quality turkey stock to create a flavorful gravy, which is a key element of the Thanksgiving meal.

💡Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish made from boiled potatoes that are mashed with butter, cream, or milk. The script discusses the preparation of mashed potatoes, highlighting the preference for a creamy texture without lumps, achieved by using a ricer, and the use of buttermilk and heavy cream for added tanginess and richness.

💡Stuffing

Stuffing, also known as dressing, is a dish made from bread cubes mixed with herbs, spices, and other ingredients, then baked. It can be stuffed inside a turkey or cooked separately. The video features a discussion about the type of bread to use and the importance of not overcomplicating the stuffing with too many ingredients.

💡Green Beans

Green beans are a popular vegetable side dish for Thanksgiving, often prepared by braising or sautéing with ingredients like garlic and shallots. The script describes a preparation method that involves cooking green beans with lemon, chili, and garlic for a bright and punchy flavor profile that contrasts with the heavier dishes.

💡Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tart accompaniment to turkey, made from cranberries, sugar, and water. It is a staple of Thanksgiving meals. The video mentions the debate over whether to use canned or fresh cranberry sauce and the presenter's preference for making a fresh version with added orange for a bit of citrus zing.

💡Squash

Squash is a type of winter fruit that is often used in fall and winter dishes. In the context of Thanksgiving, squash can be prepared in various ways, such as roasted, mashed, or in a gratin. The script describes roasting different types of squash at a low temperature to achieve a caramelized and tender result.

💡FreshDirect

FreshDirect is an online grocery shopping service that delivers food directly to customers. In the video, it is mentioned as a convenient way to purchase groceries, especially heavy items, for Thanksgiving preparations. The script includes a discussion about the benefits of using FreshDirect for ingredients that are difficult to carry or store.

💡Adulting

Adulting is a slang term that refers to the act of doing things that are considered responsible or are typically done by adults. In the script, 'adulting' is used humorously to describe the process of preparing a Thanksgiving meal, wearing clip-on earrings, and handling unexpected issues like the internet going out with a mature attitude.

💡Round Stuffing

Baking stuffing in a round dish is an unconventional presentation mentioned in the video. It adds a visual twist to the traditional Thanksgiving dish and sparks curiosity among the guests. The round shape of the stuffing is highlighted as a unique serving idea that stands out among the other dishes.

Highlights

David and Alison discuss their nervousness and excitement about the Thanksgiving episode.

The hosts share their Thanksgiving traditions and what they are most thankful for.

David emphasizes the importance of a stress-free approach to Thanksgiving cooking.

Alison introduces a new Thanksgiving menu focusing on do-ahead dishes and room temperature sides.

The show addresses common Thanksgiving cooking concerns and offers solutions, like how to please everyone.

A new method for cooking turkey is presented, focusing on dark meat cooked slowly like a confit.

The hosts discuss the challenges of cooking a large turkey and offer an alternative of just cooking turkey legs.

Alison shares her preference for making gravy from a well-prepared turkey stock.

The use of FreshDirect for convenient grocery shopping is highlighted, including a discount code for new customers.

A new twist on dessert is introduced, a caramelized maple tart that captures the essence of pumpkin pie without the pumpkin.

The preparation of homemade cranberry sauce is shown, both the jelly kind and a fresh version.

Alison insists on the importance of using stale bread for the perfect texture in her stuffing recipe.

A unique approach to mashed potatoes is taken, with Alison using a ricer for a creamy texture.

The decision to cook green beans with a spicy twist is made for an interesting and flavorful side dish.

Alison expresses her disdain for overcomplicated stuffing and shares her simple yet classic recipe.

The concept of 'gratin' is clarified, explaining that it doesn't necessarily imply cheese or scalloped potatoes.

A creative take on potato gratin is presented, involving boiled, crushed potatoes with a crispy herb topping.

The importance of salad on Thanksgiving is defended, with a unique combination of apples, fennel, and bitter greens.

Alison's personal growth and the chill atmosphere of the Thanksgiving preparation is emphasized, showcasing a smooth and enjoyable cooking process.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Small Kitchen, Big Thanksgiving with Alison Roman | NYT Cooking

A Home Movies Thanksgiving Special with Alison Roman

Claire Saffitz Cooks Her Ideal Thanksgiving Start to Finish | NYT Cooking

3 Pro Cooks Make Thanksgiving for Under $100 | NYT Cooking

Passover (Alison's Version) | Home Movies with Alison Roman

Spicy, Tangy Grilled Ribs (plus a Grilled Zucchini Salad) | Home Movies with Alison Roman

Related Tags

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Mashed Potatoes Stuffing Culinary Innovation Adulting Home Cooking Food Comedy Gravy Making Vegan Options Crispy Green Beans