Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! While our temperatures certainly don't reflect the holiday season just yet, a trip to any local shopping center will let you know that visions of turkeys and family gatherings are at the forefront of everyone's minds. Here in Central Florida though, we have the freedom to celebrate Turkey Day in some unique (and fun) ways! We have some great ideas to help you add some Floridian flair to your Thanksgiving table this year, and give your guests a taste of the Sunshine State.

As you plan your menu, why not try:

A Twist on The Classic Pie

A twist of lime that is! Instead of traditional pumpkin or apple, wow your family and friends with a homemade key lime pie this Thanksgiving! Delicious, cool, and creamy, with just enough tartness to keep things interesting, it is THE classic dessert of Florida. Add some homemade whipped cream on the side (or piled high on top) and it's sure to be a hit!

A Tropical Tan for Your Turkey

A mojo marinade or sweet and spicy orange glaze is never disappointing, especially when it comes out adorning a big, golden turkey fresh from the oven (or the smoker) and placed in the center of the table. Orange, lime, lemon, and other "tropical" flavors reflect all the best of Florida, but blend beautifully with turkey, no matter how you choose to cook it. Recipes for this are nearly endless online. Look up one that calls to you and try something fresh this year!

Keep Your Table Fresh

Fall and Winter are when gardens are dying down across much of the US, but here in Florida, our growing season is still going strong. Many local markets will still have fresh produce of all kinds, so plan your holiday menu around these items! Instead of the typical green bean casserole, why not try sweet and savory roasted brussels sprouts alongside your turkey and mashed potatoes? Add some crunch with a bright salad, or try a fruit salsa to replace canned cranberry sauce. There are SO many ways to bring the freshness of Florida to your Thanksgiving table.

We are ready to make our beautiful home state part of our celebrations this year. How about you? We hope this holiday season is full of all the best for you and the ones you love. While you’re enjoying time to celebrate with family and friends, Newton Peach Marketing will still be working behind the scenes to make sure your online presence is felt and your business never stops growing. Feeling run down because you’re still trying to do it all yourself? Take a break this holiday season and hand your social media over to our team! We provide customized content for all of your social media platforms, so you’re still being seen and heard by potential customers and clients.

Happy Thanksgiving from NPM!

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, we all know that the bird is the star of the show. While the iconic picture is of mom (or grandma) pulling the perfectly roasted turkey from the oven and carrying it lovingly to the table to be carved, not everyone enjoys roasting their turkeys. Between the messy pan cleanup, the difficulty in gauging temperature, and the constant battle between serving a raw bird and having dry meat that no one wants to eat, alternative cooking methods have become a mission for many. In recent years, the most popular choice has been deep-frying turkey. It's no wonder, with it's close cousin the fried chicken being such a staple (and delicious) menu item...but it carries its own set of risks.

Deep frying turkeys is responsible for a huge number of injuries and accidents each year. Thanks to the high temperature, the large amount of oil, and inappropriate frying conditions, the process is dangerous to say the least, especially when handled irresponsibly. Does that mean you shouldn't fry your turkey? Not necessarily, but if you choose to cook the Thanksgiving bird in this way, there are some safety tips you need to keep in mind.

First, choose your cooking surface carefully. Outdoor environments ONLY should be used when frying a turkey, but that's not the only requirement. Surfaces should be flat and level, free of any flammable materials (including dry grass), and a safe distance away from any houses or other structures (like garden sheds, play houses, etc.). You should never use a fryer in a garage, on a deck or patio, or under any type of sheltered space. Be sure only the person frying the turkey is nearby. Children, bystanders, and pets should be kept at a safe distance or, preferably, indoors away from the action.

Additionally, you need to prepare your turkey carefully. Turkeys should be completely thawed before you prepare to fry it. Check even the inside of the turkey, as frozen spots can make the oil bubble up and over the sides of the fryer thanks to the temperature reaction. Pat the surface of the turkey dry of any condensation before placing it in the oil as well as water hitting the oil will have the same type of reaction as ice.

Finally, have the appropriate safety equipment on hand just in case. Use well-insulated cooking mitts when handling anything related to the fryer. Wear safety goggles and long sleeves to protect yourself from any hot oil splatter. In case of accidents, keep a cell phone nearby to call 911 right away, and keep a fire extinguisher on hand to quickly put out fires if possible. Last but not least, keep the instructions for the fryer with you, as each individual unit will have its own specific oil measurements and operation steps that should be followed exactly to ensure safety and proper cooking of your turkey.

Newton Peach Marketing wishes all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday with the ones you care about most. We are proud to call the Winter Haven community our home, and consider each of you a neighbor. It's our pleasure to serve local businesses with the best service possible, and we are thankful for YOU. Happy Thanksgiving!