Cooking a Thanksgiving Turkey 200 Years Ago |1796 Real Historic Recipe|

[@EarlyAmerican]

Ya'll now I know why meat birds are usually white. It's because black birds leave small black dots everywhere after you've plucked out the feathers. I had to go in there with tweezers for a few hours to make him look pretty. For all of that work can I get a like please? 🥲I love you too. Happy Thanksgiving!! Below I've translated the recipe into modern directions. You can see an image of the original recipe (or receipt as they used to be called) at the end of my videos. Thank you and stay healthy out there ^_^ . To Stuff & Roast a Turkey or Fowl, 1796 1 turkey, cleaned & ready to go 1/2 pound of butter Rosemary, thyme & sage 3 tablespoons of each fresh & diced 2 pounds of potatoes Flour, 2 tablespoons Salt & pepper to taste Peel your potatoes. Boil them till they are soft enough for a knife or fork to easily go through. Strain from the water & add to them 1/4 pound of butter, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon each of diced rosemary, thyme and sage. Mash well with a potato masher until smooth. Rub a turkey generously with salt & pepper. Stuff its insides with the mashed potatoes until you've used them all up. Before placing inside of the oven sprinkle the top of the bird with a dusting of flour. Cook the turkey in a 350 degree oven for the length of time required for its size. This can vary. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh. During cooking baste the turkey every 30 minutes in a mixture of 1/4 pound of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of your remaining herbs, salt & pepper.

[@amyrobinson3119]

Next time boil it; The feathers and parasites will come right off sterile too. 🎉 🦃 🪶 🪶 🪶

[@mr.ponstan7522]

Delicious! It looks like the typewriter was missing an "s". Had me for a second lol. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

[@wandamontgomery6030]

I've never heard of stuffing it with mashed potatoes

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

haha I made this same discovery last year! I got a turkey raised by a family member and it was a black turkey. it had all the black spots as well. they do no harm at all and I just left them.with white turkeys the same thing is there you just don't see it. It was the best turkey I had ever had! Better than any factory farmed store bought turkey for sure. Turkey eggs are also very very good, better than chicken eggs ,I always am excited when I can get my hands on a few of them!

[@Cliff6965]

Did you dip the turkey in a hot bath before plucking?

[@sstrick500]

I just want to say: As a single guy that lives on frozen pizza and junk like that, you've INSPIRED me to AT LEAST start cooking my own meals. Even just making chili or beans and rice is a step up from the junk I eat! THANKS!!!

[@StanleyFilipovic]

lol I too am a single guys, that lives alone and eats garbage everyday, and also feel inspired.

[@ilikebugslol]

I'm in the same boat. She inspires me to try at least half as much as she does lol

[@hemrawat7977]

Be careful once you start cooking for yourself, you won't like another restaurant food 😂😂😂

[@janetnewsome6891]

Ron is really blessed to have Justine in his life. I don't envision many women who would be this adventurous and kind hearted.

[@EarlyAmerican]

Thank you Jane and I feel blessed everyday that he's in my life. I think that God made men and women to work together as a team. We're only able to do this because we work together.

[@tomhenry897]

Grandma cleaned plenty of critters grandpa shot Surprisingly the deer went to a butcher

[@GeniusJewels]

I am, my cousin is, my Mom is! We exist, I tell you! 😹

[@GeniusJewels]

​@@EarlyAmericanAmen to that. God bless & happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🙋🏻‍♀️✝️🩷

[@jackieellenbarnes1268]

I think Justine is Blessed to have a Wonderful Man like Ron as Well. 😊

[@RJSAMCRO]

There was a show on PBS many years back called Frontier House. It took families from modern day, and put them in the open plains to build their homesteads from only the same methods and tools available in the early 1800's. Loved that show and love these videos showing how much simple life was and how great it must of been.

[@EarlyAmerican]

That sounds fun! It would be absolutely hilarious if Ron and I went on a similar show. I'm sitting here thinking about it and chuckling. It would be like 1800s reality TV😂

[@Octopuscoast]

I remember that show ! ❤

[@Octopuscoast]

Loved seeing your cat ! I have one black cat and one white one 😁 . So sad that people used to be so superstitious about cats . 😢

[@edwardpate6128]

They had another show called pilgrim house where the families had to live as the first English settlers did.

[@chocolatestrawberries4837]

Your damn right horrific to if you pluck the feather out like that how yucky then u eat what vultures

[@James-sq4sc]

First time watching. The moment he lifted the turkey proudly towards the window for her to see and I was sold.

[@stevenvaldezii7936]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and everyone who reads this. God bless you!

[@mr.ponstan7522]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well.

[@kimberleelee43]

Have a Bless & Safe Thanksgiving 🦃🍂🍁🤎

[@Bella-fz9fy]

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and hope everyone has blessings!Love from England❤️🦃❤️🦃

[@rindanefikirleriolan1flano664]

Culture, historical ambiance, preparing & cooking foods, black cat, ASMR... You're both genius! And, I think, America has a great cuisine...

[@LelaniaOrr]

Your authenticity is so pleasing! I really feel you two dealing with each other's perspectives within the experience and within your partnership. Thank you for jumping in to this! I adore Robert Mitchem because he makes the past feel real... Well, you guys do that, too! I really enjoy and appreciate the perspective.

[@TheRealJules]

Well, now I have to go to the Frontier channel to find out why the Turkey was a failure because it sure looked good!

[@darrellsadler2848]

I've never heard of nor seen a turkey stuffed with mashed potatoes.... only served on the side. It was pretty interesting to see it done here. Another enlightening video of yours to be admired.

[@KorEditing]

apparently not because it was a complete failure lol

[@dbelex]

My Irish grandmother always made potato stuffing. Keeps the bird moist.

[@darrellsadler2848]

whatever.@@KorEditing

[@Austin_H_1900]

Btw the videos you post on this channel are also ASMR for me at the same time as being informative, cooking, and historical! Thank you!

[@knothead35]

Me too!

[@lydunglife-1]

❤❤

[@thedefectality]

I was just thinking then same thing! The sounds are so soothing.

[@DeanRussellHickey]

Well that was a quick cleaning of that bird. I think if most people could see it, they'd never forget it. Not like the grocery store, eh? Love the result.

[@janebeville7446]

We used to raise our own turkeys. Dunk them in hot (not boiling) water makes those feathers come out much easier! Especially on a dark feathered bird.

[@debbutante9591]

Well it looked good !

[@DeanRussellHickey]

You know... I live alone and have done so for about 19 years. I never look at meat or poultry as undercooked, and I'll tell you why. In my experience, there are always fully cooked outer portions to enjoy, and when it comes to cooking leftovers, there is nothing better than meat or poultry that has a way to go before it is fully done. Seriously.... I like to cook, and I know proper food and what that entails. You can have a fully cooked meal and excellent leftovers if you plan it that way. Now... if I had 8 people to dinner and my bird was underdone...well...hey, at least we'd have time to open another bottle of wine, and what could be better than that?

[@debbutante9591]

I like the way you think !

[@cathylemay2215]

I had the joy of plucking a pheasant in my late teens. It was oddly satisfying. I mean tbis in all sincerity. This was calming to watch.

[@ETibbs11]

When we deep fry our turkey outside tomorrow, I'll be thinking of my ancestors and how they did it just like this! Everything aside, happy Thanksgiving to you both! 🧡 Thank you for a great video, as always!!

[@trollge_humanoid7874]

That is the most American thing I’ve ever heard

[@opathe2nd973]

When I was a kid (1940's) my Mom left the turkey to cool on the stove door and the German shepherd and Dachshund had it all over the kitchen! I don't recall we had that day but it is a memory we all shared for years. Loved the ending!

[@hacksaw434]

I know you have to go by the receipt, but dropping that bird in about 5 gallons of peanut oil in that outdoor cauldron might have been the missing ingredient!

[@marcysloan6818]

Whenever I sit down for meals with my family now, I explain how hard it was to cook recipes back then. I always talk about how much I've actually learned from this channel. Hope you two have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Keep educating and inspiring us!

[@ciams3334]

What channel is this show on and what is it called

[@sierrastanley3109]

I remember how my mom hated plucking the turkey whenever my dad went out hunting. So she just started buying them instead. I hope it wasn't too bad for you Justine!

[@EarlyAmerican]

I'd rather clean a chicken than a turkey any day. They just have this...smell 😆

[@MLaker221]

​@@EarlyAmericanold turkey smells like farts!!! Lol!!!!

[@EarlyAmerican]

@@MLaker221 You're right 🙃

[@alanadidonato147]

I’m now wondering how bad it could smell, I was at my husbands aunts house when they were cleaning some chickens and the smell was soooo bad.

[@shortyblackwellll]

How big was that turkey? He seems huge!

[@eddieolshefski6467]

Wow. After watching this, I felt like I was living in the timeline. I admire and respect what you two do here. Keep up the good work and God bless.

[@betsyr4724]

He’s a big boy. You are very patient and hard working. Great turkey dinner! Thanks

[@cashbaby1988]

I watch her cook all the time and never comment. I just stopped by to tell you I really enjoy these and I'm also learning to cook off the grid. Win win!!! Keep it up these are amazing what you guys have done and the hard work you have put behind it!!! Amazing!!! And happy Thanksgiving!!

[@phantomwheeler81]

Wishing you and all your loved ones a blessed thanksgiving.

[@chrismcelligott5462]

Sounds like this receipt was a real turkey. Lol I still appreciate the attempt. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Ron and MishMish!

[@robhill3727]

I love the simplicity and the quiet and calm of their video. No cell phones, no TV’s making noise, just them out in nature cooking and living. We all could benefit from enjoying simpler times and disconnect from the modern world.

[@LelaniaOrr]

P.S. I was also impressed with the tidiness of that bird! Your attention to detail is wonderful.

[@ARIUS_C_vibes]

6:43 i love how they’re smiling and nodding in approval and then the screen just cuts to “it was a complete failure” 😭😭

[@nightbat94]

I wish I could live like this every once in a while. History is wonderful to learn about and appreciate. Congrats to you both on everything. Y’all are a beautiful couple with a fantastic channel and all around just great, genuine people who love life. Thank you for everything. I’ll continue supporting always.

[@allie8586]

Love your channel. It keeps me inspired to keep watching every week. So entertaining and informative. You both are fun loving, wholesome and adventurous. ❤🦃

[@marcbondi8462]

Brings back memories of growing up, when one day our dad decided the chickens weren't laying enough eggs due to age, so we processed all 33 chickens in one day. My four brothers and I had to do it assembly line style and will never forget the smell of dipping and plucking so many chickens at once. Mother was not impressed with the plan.

[@deliciouscolours]

My mom did that all the time, processes 20 plus chickens at a time. The smell bothers me to this day as well, I don't think I will ever do that although we are preparing to purchase a small property where we will raise chickens for meat too.

[@nimomemre6550]

Ma'am Justine is a good example of a good woman/wife. A man must provide & protect while his woman must manage her home & support her husband. I always feel so lucky that my Mom is just like Justine (making house a Home). I hope I'll be lucky as my Dad & Mr. Ron when my time will come 😁. Anyways, I really want to thank you for making such a soothing content. Please never stop, more power to you. God bless us all 🤍

[@aimeeshatto9504]

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃. I really enjoy your videos. I say out loud," whatever she's making it's going to come out perfect!" You do such a great job and I always look forward to your videos.

[@BethDoublekickChick]

The scene where you're plucking the turkey reminded me of my childhood - at the tender age of 6 years old, I was taught how to humanely kill poultry, and how to pluck the feathers off etc, I think it was a duck at first, then it was chickens. That being said, it set me up to have a real appreciation for where our poultry meats come from. 😊

[@janwilliams5285]

I would say that they are so blessed to have found each other and can relate so well.

[@angelagrimes8237]

You both are still up there in my esteem and gratitude! Thank you for continuing to teach and educate us on the art of living in the late 18th to early 19th century in this country! Cheers and best wishes on the new house!

[@Ashlee1985]

I think that cleaning the turkey was probably just as painstaking as making ice cream. Kudos to you, Justine!

[@CherryBlossom-vr2dc]

These videos are so soothing❤

[@brownidlion]

Thanksgiving Blessings to you and your families! I am so thankful for your channels and the joy you bring watching you both! 😊🍗

[@sandracollins7938]

You did your best Justine, don't give up learn as you go. Boiling is another way. Keep on going!!!

[@MaryHartman-ei9pv]

God bless you both❤🙏You 2 are an amazing couple ❤

[@damondeluca]

Love these videos so much. They are a great reminder of where we came from❤. Thank you!!!

[@johnnorman7708]

I would move into that cabin in a heartbeat. I just need her to be cooking for me 24/7 so I could be fat and happy in an early pioneer sort of way. Hearing the chickens and the cat just makes this so pleasant.... Now I am hungry. Happy Thanksgiving to you all here.

[@TakeItSlowMo]

When your cat meowed I was looking around thinking it was my cat 😂

[@lilitharam44]

It looked awesome! So glad the little MishMish was able to help with the turkey. I'm sure she gives good instructions! Happy Thanksgiving from Memphis, TN~

[@pbrn1729]

That is one big beautiful delicious looking turkey you have there! I’m sure you will both love it!!

[@chocolatestrawberries4837]

Ur cruel them

[@williammartin4368]

Lol like the tips we got from the French and German immigrants helped us cook better. Pulling every feather 🪶? What a woman ❤

[@barbaragroves]

Much love to you and Ron, Justine. Thank you for all you do to provide us with this content. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@patriotpioneer]

Happy Thanksgiving you Two, I appreciate the content..!

[@TheBriarPatch]

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for keeping us historically entertained.

[@brianrust4919]

you actually went out and hunted down that turkey 🦃 , that’s awesome I’m anxious to see how you make a thanksgiving turkey almost from scratch, way cool 😎

[@cynthiaburns5233]

I had the best Thanksgiving this year. Very traditional feast. Brined Turkey in Honey and Kosher salt with a huge handful of sage, thyme and rosemary. Cranberries with blood orange rined and dried cranberries. Baked yams and mashed potatoes and gravy from drippings and let us not forget......the pumpkins pie. My goodness would not this desert be a HUGE favorite in days gone by when, cinnamon, cloves and even sugar was a luxury. Thanks for reminding us of how lucky we are now for all our blessings. Happy Thanksgiving! :)

[@tandimolner1521]

Y’all know that I have to watch every episode on Wednesday night and have a wonderful n awesome Thanksgiving love you both to the moon and back 💕💕💕

[@vanillasmerk5742]

I have no idea why,,but I love this channel. Started watching pies a few weeks ago.😊

[@patbecker333]

I’m so glad you guys have two channels on KZbin!… totally impressive! Hats off to you guys….. food always look so good! Kudos to you guys! From California!..👍😉

[@153_da.]

I'm a high school student living in Korea! I fell in love with you after accidentally watching your pie-making video! I'm tired because it's exam season for high school students in Korea, but watching your video makes me feel comfortable. Thank you!

[@MLaker221]

What a perfect idea for your channel... of COURSE! I always announce what you're doing to my boyfriend. Our old garage will come down one day and I say "we need to build an 1800s cabin like that couple!!" Lol... and he's not excited about the garage breaking down. But I'm inspired bc we live right up against the woods in the back, busy street in the front. We all could have our own getaways into the past

[@davidcreager1945]

This is really cool ! I've always wondered how they prepared a Thanksgiving dinner back in the day ! Kudos to Justine and Rob ! Hope you and your family ( and Mish Mish ) have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🦃🦃🥧🥧

[@franciswashack89]

I truly enjoy the honesty and humility of your video concerning the falure of this particular endeavor. Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@JordanVanRyn]

I always enjoy watching your videos. They always have a relaxing energy to it. The bird looks delicious and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

[@sbdiaries]

Such a lovely recreation of the old fashion cooking vlog ❤ Set in a tranquil setting in the woods ❤❤. Thanks for sharing and greetings from England 🇬🇧 Simon and Beth ❤️ 😀 🙋❤️

[@derekkrause9251]

Saying it wasn’t good was honesty! I appreciate y’all and will be sending a Christmas card your way! Still loved the video!

[@courtneydavis1810]

...I loathe hand picking birds! You did such a beautiful job, so peaceful.

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

That's ok, the real star of these vids (besides your good self) is MISH MISH! 💕 BTW happy Thanksgiving from a Patriotic Native American. Oh and Sarah Josepha Hale who got Thankgsgivingnailed down to where it is, is my cousin! 🎉🦃

[@karenmar1529]

Oh my goodness after all that work I hope you were able to save that turkey and enjoy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed 🦃

[@wong90210]

I don't understand, what could have gone wrong? The little poppy out thing poppy outed right? Watch that cat, she has mischief on her mind! Thanks for another great video!

[@libertyann439]

I've just baked a cranberry pie and prepped the apple chestnut stuffing for baking. Tomorrow is turkey, squash casserole, and rosted potatoes 😂

[@elainefaubert332]

Really like watching and you two.

[@samueljaramillo4221]

This is a wonderful video. Everything looks delicious. I’ve never seen a turkey stuffed with mashed potatoes. Simple meal , turkey and mashed potatoes. They look like a very loving couple.

[@Nintendofan-yk4cd]

Happy Thanksgiving to you both!

[@YesterdaysTodaysCooking]

Oh it must have taken a long time to remove all the feathers! I love your kitchen so much, it's rustic! Old-fashioned cooking is the best, thank you!

[@jimjasinski4861]

Thank You for Everything ❤

[@FrankKnight8846]

Happy Thanksgiving day 😊 Love from Canada

[@artawhirler]

I love this channel! Thanks for making all these great videos!

[@nisha_esha_2010]

You are born to swiftly carry this character Justine Love you ❤

[@mymodernhomestead]

Raw or not, y'all are my heroes! That turkey on your lap to pluck it...😆🥰🤭 At least it looked amazing! Have a blessed Thanksgiving, you two! 💜🦃

[@trusarmor4957]

happy turkey day, gobble gobble

[@fakhranazir9547]

Today just watch your channel.its really amazing.I love this type of video related to past cultures

[@Yvonne.49]

That was hilarious!!😅big hunter comes home and hands you turkey to pluck and clean😮big one too😂going over to other channel to hear why it failed🦃🦃🦃happy turkey day

[@erinsquire2749]

Happy thanksgiving

[@julieseward1385]

I LOVE this! I sold everything and moved to a farm on the river in the mountains of Oregon. I'm trying to garden and grow my own food; beef, pork, rabbit, quail, chicken, turkey. Milked my miniature Nigerians, and make cheese. I love it, but ohhh...what a steep learning curve it's been! I have no one to teach me. I'm designing a cart to train my goats to pull, or, I'll find myself a miniature donkey and drive my 72 vw superbeetle or 76 vw van, less and less. I was definitely born in the wrong century! ❤

[@mildredguzzo5432]

Why do you say it was a failure? The turkey looked well cooked to me! I'm questioning our modern ovens and roasting pans.

[@leventhumps3861]

Going from watching General Sam cook an entire Thanksgiving dinner, Turkey and all, in a microwave, to watching you two replicate the struggles of a 1796 family living out on the frontier… Forgive me, but I seem to have given myself a touch of whiplash.

[@keithbell6866]

I have never seen a turkey cooked quite that way before or stuffed with mashed potato's either, but wow, did it look good!

[@lisalovespumpkins598]

This was very interesting! Crazy after 4 hours, and all that work, your turkey wasn't cooked through? 😅 Don't throw it out. Cut up and recook, make some soup, etc. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving from Canada 🇨🇦 ❤

[@Austin_H_1900]

Nice job getting that turkey!

[@irenehgordon9308]

You make me wish I was there. I have been watching your videos for the last year. I think you’re wonderful living Early American. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

I don’t think butter came out like that … those days ! 😂 The house must smell so delicious 😋 Lots of hard work for women to prepare dinner 🥘. ❤❤❤

[@StanleyFilipovic]

5:24 oh my gosh, hello Mr.Meow's 🥰🥰

[@josiemorgan5401]

Amazing video my dear friends thank you for all your hard work happy thanksgiving 🍁

[@rlmbmq]

Happy Thanksgiving ! You both give people such joy. I hope it’s returned to you tenfold! 🍁🍂🍁

[@donnagagne3813]

Ron and Justine. That looks amazing but don't lie. Mish Mish did most of the cooking right? Now I'm hungry.

[@terri9020]

Happy Blessed Thanksgiving

[@gilbertmedina9308]

Men are hunters- women are gatherers…they work together😄👍🏻😄😄

[@onedudeonehammer]

Thanks for your continuing history lessons!!

[@s.s.5928]

She has such beautiful hands 😮

[@christophernichols1379]

Bravo, to all of the Wives, and Mothers, of The American Frontier. It would never have happened, without you.

[@Walter-white891]

Lol you're ridiculous

[@cindytaylor4262]

Mish Mish is waiting for some turkey scraps.❤️🦃

[@geraldstamour1312]

There's old school and then there's this, which is old school on a whole new level!

[@hannahduggan3599]

My Thanksgiving was great! When I came back from taking out the trash, I saw a bunch of Thanksgiving food on the wheelchair ramp. I carried the food in and put it on the dining room table. The food was a huge turkey with some other Thanksgiving foods. During dinnertime, my grandpa, aunt, and uncle, came over. We all had Thanksgiving dinner together. My little brother Isaiah made salty potatoes, which were delicious. My little brother Jed's former teacher is the one who sent Thanksgiving food to us. Daddy just had some turkey and egg rolls. Since Mommy's side of the family is Asian and Asian-American, we make egg rolls every Thanksgiving. Grandpa (Mommy's father) brought over some beef jerky. I didn't eat any of the egg rolls because they had onions in them, which I hate.

[@jetjazz05]

Today we're fast-paced, instant gratification. If cooking a turkey took this much effort today I believe most people would have a level of gratitude that's missing simply because of the effort put in. Even if something doesn't turn out the work involved can be rewarding, and I'm sure if this was done yearly or so the bugs would get worked out and the turkey would be flawless. The way it's cooking though, I think this is why stuffing was put in the bird. Helps maintain moisture and kind of self bastes. My grandfather born in the 1920s would always put home made stuffing in the turkey, both always turned out lovely. I know it's shunned now but I wouldn't trade those turkeys for anything! He passed in 2000 so I haven't had stuffing prepared in the turkey for almost a 1/4 century now but I remember them fondly.

[@texastiger1776]

Turkey looked beautiful and delicious. I wonder what went wrong. I better head over to the other channel to find out. Love you guys! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@BuddyH69]

I can’t believe I missed this one. Glad to have found it. Going through Early American withdrawal. Cant wait for a new one