In the spirit of Thanksgiving which is almost upon us I thought you might want some news on the big day. There’s no shortage of it and I’ve been saving up some for you. American Farm Bureau says that a turkey meal is still affordable.

• Whether it be surfing the Web or dialing a toll-free phone number, California consumers will have plenty of help this holiday season in preparing the perfect Thanksgiving meal. The California Poultry Federation offers a convenient one-stop location on its website www.cpif.org for those consumers looking for timely tips on preparing the perfect holiday meal. The USDA Meat and Poultry hotline 1-800-535-4555 is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Our website offers us the ability to provide turkey preparation information to consumers 24-hours-a-day,” noted CPF President Bill Mattos. “With time such a short commodity these days, we hope this site helps consumers access the information they need quickly and efficiently.”
• Scribner’s newest addition to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists is none other than the 75th anniversary edition of JOY OF COOKING. America’s favorite cookbook is completely updated and revised to restore the book’s traditional tone, content and clarity, and it is the perfect cookbook to dirty up on your countertop this Thanksgiving. Where to begin? How about a traditional Thanksgiving with recipes like Stuffed Fresh Vegetables (peppers, squash, onion, etc.), Pumpkin Soup (use canned or fresh pumpkin), Roast Turkey with Bread Stuffing with Giblets, Candied Sweet Potatoes (with ginger and lemon), Molded Cranberry Salad, Green Beans with Slivered Almonds, Parker House Rolls, and Sweet Potato (or Pumpkin) Pie? Watch the turkey carving video.
• Godiva Chocolatier launches their new, limited edition American Pies G Collection taking the flavors of America’s most loved pies and transforming them into artistic, culinary couture, just in time for the Thanksgiving holidays. A twist on classic American desserts, the new collection of eight popular pie flavors was created by world-renowned pastry chef, Norman Love. Each chocolate pie piece is air-brushed by hand and embodies the fusion of art and chocolate. The collection is presented in a pie-shaped, apple-green box with a rich brown trim. Listen to Chef Love Soundbite.
• America’s Test Kitchen knows that you are always pressed for time. Is there a way to cut down on the last-minute mad dash to the supermarket? Is it possible to prepare holiday meals well in advance? Yes! Check out http://www.turkeyhelp.com/, which includes the helpful, timesaving feature “A Cook’s Illustrated Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu.”

• There is a better, safer, and easier way to know when your turkey is done than wiggling a leg or carving into the bird. A Pop Up disposable cooking thermometer will tell you precisely when your turkey is done to perfection. This disposable cooking thermometer is available in your local supermarket with many brands of whole turkeys and breasts, whole chickens, as well as beef, pork, lamb and veal roasts. See http://www.volkenterprises.com/ for a list of brands that include them (or call 770-663-5400).
• Dinner by Design, a leader in the popular make, take and bake home meal assembly business, today announced its November promotion with Butterball, the nation’s leading brand of turkey. As part of the collaboration, Dinner by Design customers will receive a free meat thermometer, turkey preparation tips and helpful recipes for turkey, gravy and a turkey salad, courtesy of Butterball. In addition to the free consumer items, Dinner by Design is featuring Butterball and the internationally recognized Butterball Turkey Talk- Line on its website and in its in-store displays during the month of November.
• Is pumpkin pie an important part of your Thanksgiving Day dinner? There will be more than 10 million homemade pumpkin pies (that’s 80 million slices) prepared in the U.S. this year! Karo Corn Syrup wants to share three ideas on how to make this perennial favorite even better: richer, deeper flavor for the filling; novel single serving portions and several variations on tasty whipped-cream toppings.
• Fretting about that Thanksgiving turkey? Before you pick up the phone, find your iPod. Butterball’s 26-year-old turkey helpline has been given a social media makeover. Earlier this week, ClickZ reported on the turkey king’s new podcast series designed to reach a new generation of consumers. The podcast covers a variety of preparation topics and memorable calls from throughout the helpline’s history. The company leverages consumer-generated media in its new advertising campaign. Consumers were invited to submit video messages to their family, with a selected group appearing on national television over Thanksgiving. Several are now posted on the Butterball site. Here’s the podcast file for you: http://www.butterball.com/xml/RSS/HolidayPodcast.rss