(NAPSA)—Anincreasing number of Americansarefinding that a holidaytradition long popularin the South gets a warm welcome from family and friends everywhere: a succulent turkey, deepfried in 100 percent peanut oil— the second most popular way to cook thebird. Tostick to the Southern flavor, try using the sameoil to turn out hush puppies, fried okra, sweet potatofries, and veggie chips, since the flavors won't transfer with the oil. Peanut oil can safely be reused three or four timesbefore it needs to be replaced. Just let the oil cool completely after use, strain it, and storein a cool place. Peanut oil has a high smoke point andslightly nutty flavor and the wholeprocess takes about half the timeit does to roast a turkey in the oven. Theoil is also trans fat-free, cholesterol-free, low in saturated fats, and high in unsaturated fats, to benefit heart health. The American Heart Association considers peanuts a heart-healthy food and research suggests that peanut oil can even improve cholesterol levels and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Here’s a recipetotry: Crispy and Juicy Deep-Fried Turkey 1 whole turkey 1 tablespoon ofsalt 1 teaspoon of black pepper 1 teaspoonof garlic powder 2 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub 3 to 4 gallons of 100% peanut oil Gust enough to cover the turkey) For a delicious, tender and juicy bird with crispy skin, deep-fry your turke’ peanutoil. Directions: 1. Wash bird inside and out andallow it to drain. 2. Rub turkey with thesalt, pepper, garlic and dry rub. 3. Allow turkeyto sit at room temperature for 1 hour or until completely thawed and dry. 4. Preheat peanut oil in an outdoor or countertop turkey fryer to 350 F. 5. Make sure there is no moisture on the skin and care- fully lower turkey into hot oil either in a fryer basket or using a sturdy tool inserted into the chest cavity. Submerge the turkey completely. 6. Fry turkey for 3 minutes per pound plus 5 minutes per hird. Internal temperature should reach 165 F. 7. Remove turkey from the oil and let sit 20 minutes before serving. Makes 4 servings. Learn More To view recipes from celebrity chefs, instructional videos and nutritional information on deepfrying in peanut oil, visit www.turkeyfrying.net.
