Let's Talk Turkey
Epicurean Club of Boston Members welcome to November
Let's Talk Turkey—A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey
Fresh or Frozen?
This is the Safe Internal Temperature for Turkey
Serving up a perfect holiday bird is as easy as knowing what temperature turkey is done.
Serving up a perfect holiday bird
What Temperature Is Turkey Done?
Regardless of the size of your turkey, it's safe to eat once the turkey's internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. When roasting turkey, here are the turkey temperatures to follow:
Whole turkey: A whole cooked turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F on your meat thermometer in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
Whole turkey, stuffed: The center of the stuffing must reach 165°F.
Turkey breast, boneless: The thickest portion of the breast should reach 165°F.
Turkey breast, bone-in: The thickest portion of the breast should register 170°F.
Basic Stuffing Recipe
Where to Check Turkey Temperature
You can use an oven-going thermometer by inserting it into the center of an inside thigh muscle, being careful not to touch the bone. If you use an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the center of the inside thigh muscle, checking the temperature in several places.
Timing and temperature are also important when roasting a turkey. Use our guide for how long to roast turkey to ensure the timing matches the size of your bird. Oh, and if it's frozen, don't forget to thaw your turkey in time for the feast.
Asparagus wrapped in bacon
Fresh Turkeys
Allow 1 pound of turkey per person.
Buy your turkey only 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it.
Keep it stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak.
Do not buy fresh pre-stuffed turkeys. If not handled properly, any harmful bacteria that may be in the stuffing can multiply very quickly.
Glazed Carrots
Frozen Turkeys
Allow 1 pound of turkey per person.
Keep frozen until you're ready to thaw it.
Turkeys can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely; however, cook within 1 year for best quality.
See "Thawing Your Turkey" for thawing instructions.
Brussel Sprouts with Sweet Potato, Walnuts and Cranberries
Frozen Pre-Stuffed Turkeys
USDA recommends only buying frozen pre-stuffed turkeys that display the USDA or State mark of inspection on the packaging. These turkeys are safe because they have been processed under controlled conditions.
DO NOT THAW before cooking. Cook from the frozen state. Follow package directions for proper handling and cooking. Allow 1¼ pounds of turkey per person.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Thawing Your Turkey
There are three ways to thaw your turkey safely — in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave oven.
In the Refrigerator (40 °F or below)
Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds4 to 12 pounds1 to 3 days12 to 16 pounds3 to 4 days16 to 20 pounds4 to 5 days20 to 24 pounds5 to 6 days
Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
Epicurean Club of Boston's 128 Presidents Ball. November 7th, 2022. Sold Out. Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket to this year's Presidents Ball.
Upcoming Events
1st Annual ACF Sanctioned Chopped Competition.
Four ACF chapters will compete. ACF Epicurean Club of Boston, ACF RI, ACF NH and ACF Cape Cod Chapters. Location and date TBD.
November 7th: This years Presidents Ball was sold out. Executive chef Michael Shannon CEC delivered a spectacular meal followed by our awards. The 2022 Chef of the year award went to Executive Chef Bradley Labarre, CEC.
November Membership meeting
Our November Membership meeting was held at the Everett High School. 4 Teams competed at this challenge and all the teams and burgers where great but there can only be one winner and the Everett Highschool, winner was???
6 PROVEN WAYS TO REDUCE HOLIDAY STRESS
The Holidays can be stressful, below you will find 6 ways to help reduce stress this Thanksgiving Holiday.
1.Breathe –Some good deep breaths have been shown to lower your cortisol levels – the hormone released in response to stress. Too much cortisol makes us foggy, tired, and more likely to get sick and gain weight. So, recognize the feeling, take a minute for 5 or 10 long breaths in and out. Count to 2 or 4 during each in and out and work up. Let clear thoughts flood your brain, and many of your biggest “problems” solve themselves.
2.Walk – The miracle cure! So many studies tell us that walking is good and here’s why. It can put your brain into a calmer state, gets us outside which reduces stress, improves memory and attention, releases endorphins to improve mood, creates time to connect us with friends, and boosts energy. (You will also have to breathe when you walk, so repeat step 1 above!) Get outside, alone or with the gang, use the dog or cat as an excuse, go slow or fast, and feel good.
3.Sleep - Miracle Cure #2. Could 60-90 more minutes of sleep make you "happier, healthier and safer" ? The experts say yes! And especially during the holidays, when we are skimping
4.Play – Board games. Running around at the park. Peek-a-boo. Chasing your pets. Get a laugh in and have some fun for a few minutes every day.
5.Read – Grab that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand, download a bestseller, or head over to the library. Reading allows you to escape into a fantasy or learn something new and has been shown to lower your heart rate and reduce stress by up to 68% - and faster other relaxation techniques.
6.Have a drink – Tea, cocktails, wine, soda, coffee – whatever sounds good. Then sit down, put your feet up, un-tense your shoulders, and enjoy!
Tim Foley 2nd Annual Burger Challenge Winners at Everett High School
We can use your help preparing the Thanksgiving meal at My Brothers Table in Lynn on November 23rd. RSVP to Chef12@comcast.net to help.
If you would like to do something nice this Thanksgiving, we are still looking for support preparing the thanksgiving meal on November 23rd.Please RSVP to Chef12@comcast.net to help out.
Remember the holidays come once a year it's important to enjoy your time with your family and friends.
Safe Travels,
Happy Thanksgiving!
Chef DiSessa
Tim Foley, Connor Heffler Golf Classic donates 25,000 for cops for kids with cancer
Connor Heffler Golf Classic
Chef Earle Test Certification Corner
November 1,2022
ACF Certification exhibits a benchmark of excellence by demonstrating professional standards in culinary skills and knowledge of the food service industry. Certified chefs attain the well-deserved recognition and respect of their peers.
To register for the exam you can follow this link https://tinyurl.com/3ykmtbzt
Registering for ACF Practical Exams
• ACF approval is required prior to registering for practical exams.
• Register online or by submitting Practical Exam Candidate Registration Form.
• The practical exam fee is $50 for ACF members and $100 for non-members. Test sites may charge an additional host site fee that is payable to the site hosting the exam.
• Practical exam scores are valid for one year.
We are ready and happy to help you prepare and answer any questions you may have about the certification process.
Recertification
Recertification enhances continued competence and reaffirms knowledge in food safety and sanitation, nutrition and supervisory management. Learning experiences that enhance the knowledge and skill development of culinary arts professionals are considered continued education hours (CEH).
Upgrading/Adding an Additional Certification
If you are interested in upgrading your current certification or adding an additional certification, please contact the ACF Certification Department prior to applying to verify documentation already on file. Upgrading may be more appropriate for some candidates than recertification, and most of your requirements will be on file.
Maintaining Certification
All levels require 80 CEHs every five (5) years. The requirement of 80 CEHs over a five-year period was determined so that, on average, a chef would complete 16 CEHs per year, keeping them current and up to date on culinary trends and practices.
If you have additional certification levels, your CEH recertification requirements will be as follows:
Two certification levels: 120
Three certification levels: 140
Four certification levels: 160
Earning CEHs
Plan ahead to make the best use of your time and money. You can begin earning CEHs as soon as you have completed the last recertification cycle. Know what you need and begin earning CEHs early to keep up your certification. ACF Certified Members can monitor CEHs on ACF Member Profile Page.
Food Safety and Sanitation must be current (completed no more than five years ago) for every recertification. An 8-hour refresher, state issued sanitation card or ServSafe can be used to fulfill the requirement. Nutrition and Supervisory Management refreshers (8 hour minimum) are only submitted one time for recertification once original 30-hour courses are more than five years old.
25% of your CEH must come from volunteer, leadership, or competition activities effective January 1, 2020 for all levels.
ACF-Approved Learning Opportunities
Online Learning Center https://tinyurl.com/yvmhdx4n
The ACF provides online opportunities to enhance your skills, advance your career and maintain your ACF certification. Take online classes, quizzes and practice written certification exams all in one place. Watch recorded sessions from ACF events if you were unable to attend. ACF members, your continuing education hours will be automatically uploaded to your profile. Many of the classes are free so take a moment and check out all the offerings by following the link above.
Digital Badges
As the premier certifying body for cooks and chefs and America, ACF remains committed to providing you with the tools necessary to achieve your professional goals. We are pleased to announce the launch of a new way to communicate the ACF credentials you have earned in the ever-expanding online marketplace as well as on social media. At no cost to you!
The ACF has partnered with Credly’s Acclaim platform to provide you with a digital version of your credentials. Digital badges can be used in email signatures or digital resumes, and on social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. This link contains https://www.credly.com/organizations/american-culinary-federation/badges verified metadata that describes your qualifications and the process required to earn them.
If you have any questions regarding the certification process please contact Certification Chair, Earle Test, CEC, CCE, CCA at emtest@verizon.net