I cannot use my oven tomorrow for Thanksgiving...how can I get a cooked turkey or do you have suggestions....?

Question

to replace it?
I can still use the range top and I have a small rotisserie, a small grill, a pressure cooker, a microwave oven and a grill.

I had a fire on my stove top while cooking French fries and the oil spilled in the oven (through a vent) and now my oven makes a lot of smoke if I use it more than 20 minutes. The smoke alarm goes on and the neighbors show up all worried.

I cannot clean my oven...it's self cleaning (and the manufacturer say not to use manual oven cleaning products) and when I programmed the 3 hours self-cleaning cycle, the smoke was thick and I could not turn the cleaning cycle off so I had to ask for help and pull the whole thing from the wall and unplug it!

Answer 1

Wow...Ok...If I had to do this, this is what I would do. I would treat it like any slow-braised poultry without the oven...I would brown the turkey breast (or pieces) in a pan with a bit of oil, just until browned on all sides. (this will add flavor, but also make it look more appetizing). Place in stock pot. Then add a bit of stock (chicken or veggie will work) - just a cup or two - you just need an inch or so of liquid in the pot. Add some sliced onion for some flavor, even a garlic clove, crushed and a sprig of sage. (rosemary or thyme would be nice too). Reduce heat to the absolute lowest setting, put a lid on it and let it simmer for a few hours. (an instant read thermometer will be really helpful here) If the liquid level gets low, add some more as needed. You can also add chopped carrots and potatoes the last hour or so - that would be really good! This should work just fine. I will tell ya - I once had a studio apartment that I had just moved into before the holidays. I was making a turkey for a couple of friends - well, I went to put the turkey in the oven and IT WOULDN'T FIT! The oven was too small! lol! lol! lol! I had to cut the whole thing up and roast it like that...but I gotta tell you - it was probably one of the best turkeys that I ever made. You can totally make this work - it's just turkey - just a bird! Think of it more like chicken and you may be more inspired! Have a happy holiday!

Answer 2

I saw at Safeway yesterday that they still had pre-cooked frozen turkeys. Pressure cookers work great as long as the turkey fits in it.

Although the manufacturer says not to clean it, Easy Off does make a "Safe for Self Cleaning Ovens" cleaner that I've used 4 or 5 times in the last 2 years, and have never had a problem with the self-cleaning mode.

Answer 3

I agree with the others - use your bbq - if not - run out and get a cheap Weber from Wallmart - honestly, if you do your turkey in there with the lid down - they are so so tender and delicious - just baste and stuff as normal. It will be delicious. Other than that - you can probably pressure cook or microwave it (you will have to have it cut up though) and then grill it at the last minute for a nice brown finish - you will have to then serve it on a platter in pieces rather than a whole turkey - but still delicious - dress with beautiful fresh cranberries around it and present with a "flourish" - it will be fine.

Answer 4

I went without an oven for a year and ended up cooking hams in a wok! So necessity is the mother of invention . Cut that turkey up & put the breast in the rotisserie. Brown the legs, thighs and wings in oil and butter than add seasoned broth , cover and braise them until tender. Use the back and neck to make stock on the stove top for gravy bread stuffing and soup later in the week. .

Answer 5

Most supermarkets are going to be open in the morning. Buy one of the pre-cooked turkeys found in the meat section or in the deli.

You can also buy complete meals of turkey and side dishes at the delis.

Pick up a frozen pie and let it thaw.

OR take everyone out to eat. Many of the top hotels are having buffets.

Answer 6

Most supermarkets sell cooked turkeys around this time of year.
Do you or someone you know have a rotisserie oven?

Answer 7

You have choices!

Get on the phone NOW and begin calling a local restaurant which is open tomorrow.

Ask if they will bake your turkey for you
OR if they have a turkey you could "trade" yours for - for a price [just like a car trade-in ONLY for much less.]

You might want to call those restaurants and ask if they have someone who will "break-down" your turkey. (((Don't forget to tip that person doing it.)))

Ask a neighbor or friend if you might be able to bake the turkey at his/her/their home.

"Breaking down" a turkey is relatively easy. Its just like doing a chicken - except its bigger.

All it requires is following the natural separations and seams with your sharp kitchen knife.

AND following either side of the breast bone with your sharp kitchen knife.

You might want to try the Food Network's website to see if there is a tape or DVD you could view and follow.

OR you could call the Butterball Hotline and explain the situation to them. Perhaps they could help you.

If you have a friend or relative in the restaurant business or who is a hunter and breaks-down his/her wild game birds, perhaps you could impose on that person.

Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it!

VTY,
Ron Berue
Yes, that is my real last name!

Answer 8

Use a family members oven.Or there are some restaurant's will deliver a turkey with all the fixing's. Yuo could use your grill but that will take forever.

Answer 9

There is a large countertop roaster the plugs in by Nesco. You may still have time to run out and buy one! Got to a Target or Walmart.

Answer 10

I use an electric roaster oven... have for years.
Works great...Walmart sells them from$29.00