Just In Time For Thanksgiving!

Quite honestly, I'd never heard of Bell's Seasoning, a 150-year old recipe that's been the backbone of many a New England Thanksgiving ever since it was invented by one William G. Bell.  Back in 1867, Bell became the creator of the country's first blend of herbs and spices.  He was in the right at the right time because Boston, where he based his business, was a major trading port and a center of imports of spices from around the world. 

Bell put together a blend of imported spices, carefully choosing the best of what was on offer and called it simply Bell's Seasoning.   Today, the company bearing his name hasn't changed the recipe one iota.  And why would they?  It's perfect for today's emphasis on all-natural foods and it's salt-free.   About the only change The William G Bell company has made is on its label:  Bell's Seasoning is resolutely GMO Free.  Bell's also resolutely American which is why ex-pats have feverishly worked trying to mimic it abroad.  The results are reportedly mixed and have nothing on the original.  So be thankful if you live Stateside because Bell's is sold all over the map.

         How to use Bell's Seasoning?  Well their website has a recipe collection and an invitation to submit one's own.  But the one that really rang a bell for me is likely the simplest of them all:

It's called "Bell's Ultimate Roast Turkey" and it was submitted by a home cook named Sarah Page.   Ms. Page gives the recipe credit for being the secret to moist turkey.  And it really couldn't be easier.   All that's involved is taking softened, sweet cream butter, salted and adding garlic, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper and of course, Bell's Seasoning.  In the best New England tradition, the dressing is done as a side dish, while Apples and Onions bring flavor to the bird.  Meanwhile, the Bell's Seasoning Butter is spread under and over the skin of the turkey.  Ms. Page's recipe is for a turkey weighing 12 to 15 lbs.  If your bird is bigger, by all means scale up the recipe.  Go to http://www.chewingthefat.us.com/2017/11/a-new-discovery-for-thanksgiving.html