Turkey tips...

I just got this email... and just HAD to share it with you (obviously some of the details have been modified to protect the "innocent" LOL) to give you insight into Turkey Day here in North Africa. Never knew getting a turkey could be so complicated... or cloak and dagger!

"Hello! I realize I'm writing to quite a mix of cultures, but if you are celebrating American Thanksgiving 23 November and need a turkey, read on.

In the past years, Doug (a local repairman) and Donald (a former worker here) went to a market somewhere downton in the big city to a market where they bought live birds, had them slaughtered and cleaned (sorry to be graphic..) and delivered them to some central points. The price is about 25dh/kg. A bird looses about 3 kg in the cleaning so if you want a 9kg bird you need to order a 12kg bird. Then I think we add 50dh or so more for transport and Doug's work.

The other option is to order a Koutoubia bird from a grocery store. I think that was about 35-40dhs/kg (others can correct me) for a dressed turkey. You need to order 2-3 days in advance. I've ordered from a local store that you may have shopped at; I think other places do it too but you need to ask. Either way you need to order ahead of time.

If you'd like Doug to get one, I am willing to collect the money and orders. Could you please get the money to me by Monday for Doug to go Wednesday, 22 November. Depending on who orders one, we'll set a point of delivery and may make a run out to the school. You'll need to have room in the fridge for it that day or start cooking it then.....

If you have more information on cracking the turkey code (every year has been an adventure of when and how we'll get a turkey...) please let me know and I can pass it on to others.