Shaking up the turkey baking

An alternative to the oven.

(Credit: Bed Bath & Beyond)

Holidays are built upon a strong base of tradition. Each particular holiday has its associated colors, foods, and activities. It's what makes them different from each other and not just another day off of work. However, along with tradition comes stagnation and the threat of repeating past mistakes. If you know somebody who somehow always seems to make dry turkey, then perhaps it's time to change how they make it. Or maybe, what they make it in.

The Masterbuilt Butterball Oil-Free Electric Turkey Fryer and Roaster might not make cooks better at their craft around holiday season, but it does give them something different to work with. The electric cooker uses radiant heat to quickly cook an 18-pound turkey in one-third the time of a conventional oven. No additional oil is needed. Included is a wood-chip tray to add smoke and flavor, while a removable drip pan catches grease and fat. The entire contraption ships ready to go, complete with turkey stand and tempered-glass lid.

When the holidays are over, the 17-inch tall (it measures 16.5 inches by 16.75 inches across) can be used for other applications. A cooking basket and drain clip are included for just such a purpose. No matter what time of year, or what is being made, the easy-to-use machine brings a new element to the mix. Best of all, an integrated timer keeps track of time, no matter who is doing the cooking.