PHOENIX — This Thanksgiving, Phoenix‑area meteorologist Paul Horton is making the holiday’s centerpiece a community event. Known for his weather reports, Horton also serves as his family’s designated turkey fryer, turning the deep‑fry process into a lively outdoor tradition he calls the “bird drop.”
Countdown and sizzle
When the fryer is ready, Horton gathers his relatives at a safe distance, then counts down, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – bird drop,” before lowering the turkey into the bubbling oil. The family watches the sizzling spectacle, a moment that blends excitement with the familiar comforts of Thanksgiving.
Safety guidance from Scottsdale Fire
Horton’s routine was featured on the local food series Desert Table alongside Scottsdale Fire Captain Dave Folio, who stressed the importance of safety. Folio reminded viewers to keep children and pets away from the fryer and its fuel line, to set up the equipment on level ground at least ten feet from any structure, and to never leave the flame unattended. He also advised against using a frozen turkey and urged operators to follow the fryer manufacturer’s instructions.
Family flavors and fellowship
After the bird is cooked, the celebration moves to the dinner table. Horton’s wife prepares the pies, while his mother‑in‑law, described as an “unbelievable cook,” contributes additional dishes. “I love it when people dabble into the turkey,” Horton said, noting that guests often sample a bite of the juicy meat before the main serving.
Alternative cooking methods
Captain Folio shared his own Thanksgiving approach: he seasons his turkey and cooks it in an oven bag, a method he says keeps the meat moist without the need for a fryer. He emphasized that, whether frying or baking, the goal is the same – bringing people together around a shared meal.
Practical tips for a successful turkey fry
- Set up the fryer on a flat, stable surface at least ten feet from the house or any flammable material.
- Use a fully thawed turkey; a frozen bird can cause dangerous oil splatter.
- Monitor the fryer constantly; never leave it unattended.
- Turn off the flame when lowering or lifting the turkey to prevent oil ignition.
- Keep children and pets well away from the cooking area.
Following these guidelines, families can enjoy a safe, flavorful Thanksgiving outdoors while preserving the holiday’s spirit of fellowship.
Community spirit on the table
Both Horton and Folio highlighted that food is a natural catalyst for community building. “It’s all about the community and the fellowship,” Folio said, underscoring the broader purpose of their culinary traditions – to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
For readers interested in trying the “bird drop” themselves, Horton recommends adjusting seasonings to personal taste and adhering strictly to the fryer’s safety manual. With careful preparation, the sizzling turkey can become a centerpiece that unites families across the Phoenix area each Thanksgiving.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
