FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Sherrie Rosenblatt, National Turkey Federation
202-898-0100 ext. 233, srosenblatt@turkeyfed.org
or Leslee McGovern, Devine & Pearson
617-472-2700 ext. 137 lmcgovern@devine-pearson.com

WWW.EATTURKEY.COM IS THE ULTIMATE FOODSERVICE GUIDE TO THANKSGIVING

WASHINGTON, DC (August 2003) - For chefs and operators looking for holiday menu inspiration, the National Turkey Federation's (NTF) www.eatturkey.com is the place to go for a virtual encyclopedia of Thanksgiving. Restaurant turkey trends, celebrity chef demonstrations and thought provoking recipes are just a click away.

"At the holidays, traditional roasted whole turkey is all the rage, yet culinary professionals across the country feature it in ways that reflect regional cooking techniques," says Sherrie Rosenblatt, director of public relations for the National Turkey Federation. "At www.eatturkey.com we have a comprehensive collection of preparation ideas, regional recipes and demos from working chefs nationwide so operators have a one stop source for menu planning at Thanksgiving."

A few of the regional recipe offerings on the site include:

• Citrus Roasted Turkey: Popular in the Florida Keys. Chefs place aromatic oranges or lemons and limes in the cavity of the bird during roasting. A citrus glaze is applied during the last 30 minutes.
• Southwestern Turkey with Chilaca Chiles Paste: A Southwestern tradition. Poblano and ancho chilies are combined into a paste an applied to the turkey before roasting. A Gary Kucy recipe.
• Orange and Maple Roasted Turkey: Often on the tables of Northeast and Midwest restaurants. Chefs brine the turkey in a salt, sugar and water mixture for several hours prior to roasting. A compound butter containing orange juice, maple syrup and other spices is massaged into the bird before roasting. A Marc Van Steyn recipe.
• Deep Fried Turkey with Cajun Spices: Originally a Southern and Cajun preparation, deep fried turkeys are increasing in popularity throughout the U.S. Many chefs marinate the bird overnight before deep frying. A Beverly Shaffer recipe.

The National Turkey Federation is the advocate for all segments of the U.S. turkey industry. It's award winning web site www.eatturkey.com offers successful on-line professional chef cooking demonstrations and a searchable database of more than 300 recipes that exhibit turkey's versatility as a profit-building item, which enhances menus in all meal occasions during every season of the year. Operators can also go to www.eatturkey.com to sign up for the RecipE-mail program to register and receive unique recipe ideas that add flair to holiday and special occasion menus year-round.