Thanksgiving is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. Among the many traditional dishes that grace the Thanksgiving table, the turkey holds a special place. This year, we're diving into a unique and intriguing recipe: the pillowcase turkey, a creation by Elizabeth Heiskell that has been put to the test by the BHG Test Kitchen.

The concept of the pillowcase turkey is both simple and fascinating. Instead of the usual methods of roasting a turkey, this recipe involves wrapping a whole turkey in a cotton pillowcase that has been soaked in a mixture of wine and butter. The idea behind this is that the pillowcase acts as a natural baster, slowly releasing the flavorful liquid onto the turkey as it roasts, resulting in a moist and tender bird.

Let's start by gathering the ingredients. You'll need a whole turkey, preferably one that is fresh and of good quality. The size of the turkey will depend on the number of guests you're expecting, but a general rule of thumb is to allow about one pound of turkey per person. You'll also need a cotton pillowcase, preferably one that is white and free of any dyes or chemicals. For the soaking mixture, you'll need a bottle of dry white wine and a stick of unsalted butter, melted.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to prepare the turkey. Start by thawing the turkey in the refrigerator if it's frozen. This can take several days, so make sure to plan ahead. Once the turkey is thawed, remove the giblets and neck from the cavity and rinse the turkey under cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Next, prepare the soaking mixture. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and the white wine. Stir well to ensure that the butter is fully incorporated into the wine. Then, place the cotton pillowcase in the bowl and soak it in the mixture for at least 30 minutes, making sure that the pillowcase is completely saturated.

After the pillowcase has soaked, carefully lift it out of the bowl and squeeze out any excess liquid. Then, place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Wrap the soaked pillowcase around the turkey, making sure that it covers the entire bird. Tie the ends of the pillowcase together with kitchen twine to secure it in place.

Now, it's time to roast the turkey. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the roasting pan with the turkey in the oven and roast for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

As the turkey roasts, the pillowcase will slowly release the flavorful liquid onto the turkey, basting it from the inside out. This will help to keep the turkey moist and tender, and will also give it a delicious, buttery flavor. About an hour before the turkey is done roasting, you can remove the pillowcase to allow the skin to brown and crisp up.

Once the turkey is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, making it even more flavorful and tender. When you're ready to carve the turkey, use a sharp carving knife to slice the meat off the bones. Serve the turkey with your favorite Thanksgiving sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

So, what did we think of the pillowcase turkey? Overall, we were very impressed. The turkey was incredibly moist and tender, with a delicious, buttery flavor. The pillowcase really did act as a natural baster, and we could see the difference in the texture and flavor of the meat compared to a traditional roasted turkey. The only downside was that the pillowcase did leave a bit of a residue on the turkey, but this was easily removed with a damp cloth.

If you're looking for a new and exciting way to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey this year, we highly recommend giving the pillowcase turkey a try. It's a fun and unique recipe that is sure to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving dinner even more memorable.

In conclusion, the pillowcase turkey is a great addition to any Thanksgiving menu. It's a simple and easy recipe that yields a delicious and moist turkey. So, why not give it a try this year and see for yourself? Your family and friends will thank you for it!