Learn to cook the perfect turkey at Salish Lodge & Spa

Last year, I had the most traumatic turkey experience. My dear friend, bless her heart, invited us over for the holiday meal. While we waited for her husband to platter and present the turkey, we feasted on all the deliciously fatty, starchy side dishes.

When he emerged and began to carve the golden-topped turkey, we all gasped in unison as we noticed something: The bottom of the bird was still frozen. After a collective gag from the table, we filled up on potatoes and green beans and called it a day. What happened? Did she not defrost it properly? Was the oven not set to the right temperature? Would brining have saved the bird?

You can avoid your own turkey turmoil this Thanksgiving by interrogating your mother on everything there is to know about turkey roasting, or take a one-hour class, “The Perfect Bird: Turn a turkey into a Thanksgiving Masterpiece” at Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie.

The class, which is being offered on Nov. 4 and again on Nov. 11 (at 5:30 p.m. both days), will cover everything, including the benefits of brining, flavor profiles for basting and combinations with stuffing, various ways to break down a turkey and how to truss plus recipe cards and instructions.

Spend the $25 and spare yourself the embarrassment. Oh, you also get to sip on wine and nosh on appetizers while learning the ways of the bird. After, show your ticket at The Attic or Dining Room restaurants and receive 30 percent off. It’s a win-win. Purchase tickets here.