Slow Cooker Turkey: Your Key to a Stress-Free, Flavorful Thanksgiving

November 8, 2023October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to make a turkey for Thanksgiving that will have your family and friends talking about it long after the big day? You can free up your oven and use your slow cooker to make a moist and flavorful lemon herb turkey that will be the star of your holiday meal. Not only is this turkey dish easy to make, but the butter, broth, and slow cooking time make the turkey so tender it will fall apart in your mouth.

If this is the first time you are trying your hand at turkey in a slow cooker, then you won’t believe the difference compared to an oven-roasted turkey, which tends to be dry. Let’s discuss the simple steps on how to make an outstanding lemon herb turkey in a slow cooker and the best sides to serve with it.

Lemon Herb Turkey Recipe

Ingredients:

1 turkey breast (4 to 5 pounds)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons garlic & herb butter
1 lemon, halved
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

Remove netting or mesh from the turkey. Rinse and pat dry. Spread garlic butter over the entire turkey and under the skin. Sprinkle all seasonings over turkey. Rub on all sides. Squeeze lemon juice over. Place the squeezed lemon in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour bone broth into the slow cooker. Place turkey breast atop lemons. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn off the slow cooker. Baste the turkey with all the drippings. Wrap in foil or return to the slow cooker. Allow to sit for one hour. Slice and baste with drippings.

What are the best sides to serve? Here are a few of my side recipes that will pair perfectly with this turkey for the holidays: The Best Cornbread Dressing, Brown Sugar Crusted Spiral Ham, and Mississippi Green Beans.

How do you cook a whole turkey? A whole turkey is too large for the slow cooker, but I have a recipe that yields a whole moist, flavorful bird if you’re looking to cook for a larger crowd. Click here for the recipe.

-Jamie Tarence

www.familysavvy.com

October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“Lord, you are my God; I will exalt and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1

We go to church with John and Robin O’Leary, who, at the time we first met, were houseparents at Big Oak Ranch. They had just welcomed Kaige into their home. My husband, Shane, and I felt extremely called to that little boy, and today, we have been his Resource Family for nine years now.

Ellison Family — Katie and Shane Ellison have been volunteer resource parents for Kaige for nine years.Big Oak Ranch strives to pair each child with volunteer resource parents which serve as an extended family for children. Resource parents volunteer as often as one weekend a month.

When Shane and I started dating, we both talked about wanting three children – this was a forever desire that was planted in our hearts. The number three had always been a significant number through which He revealed His faithfulness to us. We had our first son, Henry, with no problems and then struggled with infertility for years and years after. Through IVF, we had our second son Meade, yet lost Meade’s twin. Despite this incredible loss, God was so faithful. Within the pain and loss, He reminded us that He had given us Kaige, and we do have our three sons that He promised.

It is so sweet to reflect over those hard years and remember His goodness and faithfulness, even if it wasn’t received in the way we expected. We are so blessed, and we love that Kaige is our number three. It is tough to sum up nine years with him, as he is such a precious child. People often ask us what it’s like to serve as a volunteer resource parent. They want to know what it entails. As I share with them how Kaige has just joined right into our family each time we’ve kept him, I can’t remember what life was like before Kaige. The blessings he has brought into our lives completely outweigh everything else. Becoming a resource family is completely worth it, and we truly wouldn’t want it any other way.

-Katie Ellison

October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

The season of Advent is upon us. It is a time in which many Christians throughout the world observe a period of waiting for the coming of Christ. In her new book, Advent – The Season of Hope (IVP Press), Tish Harrison Warren offers us a wise and thoughtful guide through this season of longing, reflection, and hopefulness.

Advent The Season of Hope cover image — *Advent- The Season of Hope* is available for purchase at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster.

In Advent, the coming of our Messiah is observed in the past, present, and future. We celebrate the past coming of Christ in the Incarnation, ending the season on Christmas. It is a time of preparing our hearts for the celebration of God’s in-breaking kingdom through the life and ministry of Jesus almost two thousand years ago. Advent is also a time of anticipating Christ’s future return and what His return means for us now, in the present. The birth of Jesus in ancient Israel profoundly changes everything, for all generations. Likewise, the promise of the future return of Jesus changes everything, not just for the last generation of humanity but for every Christian of the past and present.

In Advent- The Season of Hope, Warren reminds us that the return of Jesus is “God’s definitive response to the deepest longings of the human soul. It is our hope that truth, beauty, and goodness will last, and that evil, sorrow, and death will not. It is the promise that we and all the cosmos are not doomed to fate and left on our own, but that we will all be made whole and new…all our longings meet their end in Christ coming again, bringing healing, peace, joy, and an unimaginable wholeness in his wake.”

May hope, joy, peace, and love fill all our hearts this Advent season.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

The weight of pain, resentment, and anger can easily overwhelm you. In Beyond the Scars, Amy K. Collier shares her story of depression, mental and physical abuse, and multiple suicide attempts. But the worst part was that she felt abandoned and punished by God.

Beyond the Scars Cover — Click here to learn more about *Beyond the Scars*.

Collier’s inspiring transformation didn’t happen overnight. She struggled on her road to recovery with fear, doubt, and loneliness. She says, “Ten years ago, I began putting my story, the secrets that I buried inside myself to paper as part of my healing process. During that process, it became clear to me that I was meant to share my testimony. I was not alone in what I went through and how I felt. If my story could make a difference in someone’s life, then it wasn’t all for nothing. If God can do it for me, He can do it for them.”

We all carry scars. We all have broken parts. And we all have a chance at redemption and a new life. Just like Collier. She adds, “In sharing my journey, my goal is to give hope that you, too, can find peace. I want you to feel encouraged that you’ll also be able to see, hear, and feel the hand of God on your life and know you are not alone. I also want to show readers there is healing in forgiveness and hope you can use some of the tools that helped me begin the healing process.” Collier has been a guest speaker on radio, on podcasts, and in magazines. She owns a cleaning business and a small farm in Huddleston, Virginia, where she resides with her husband, Charlie.

Beyond the Scars is available wherever books are sold. †

October 26, 2023October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1, is significant for many Christians worldwide. It is a time for believers to honor and remember the lives of Christian heroes and role models who have left a lasting impact on our faith. We are encouraged to look and learn from the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV) as the author of the Hebrews encourages us. From their encouragement, we can more faithfully “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV).

In our current church environment, we have neglected to remember the stories of faithful people who have gone before us. The church’s history is filled with examples of martyrs who gave their lives faithfully following Jesus, other saints who lived their lives faithfully following Jesus, and missionaries who gave up their comforts to take the gospel to hard to reach places. We need to remember their stories and seek to learn from them. All Saints’ Day creates a space for Christian families to reflect on the lives of great Christian leaders, missionaries, theologians, and other influential figures. It’s a day to remember the likes of Saint Augustine, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther, Hudson Taylor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and countless others who have shaped the Christian faith and impacted the world through their lives.

The stories of those who have gone before us serve as roadmaps, illuminating the path of faith, love, compassion, and sacrifice. They remind our families that a life lived in service to God and humanity is a life truly well-lived. Even if November 1 has come and gone, take some time this November to connect your children to the stories of the saints who have gone before us. Do some quick online research to learn more about a person’s story and share it with your kids. Spend some time discussing the story with your family, seeking to understand how the person faithfully followed God in difficult moments. Then discuss what it would look like for you and your family to live out your faith daily. All Saints’ Day is a beautiful occasion to draw inspiration from the lives of those who dedicated themselves to Christ. As we honor these Christian heroes, let us strive to embody their faith and allow the Lord to use our family’s lives to make an impact for God’s kingdom.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Family Cooking Thanksgiving Di 462879921

Home for the Holidays

With the changing of the weather, ever so slightly in the South, comes the beginning of the fun and sometimes frantic holiday season. October kicks off with fall festivals and fundraisers at every turn, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and extra guests. November ushers in Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving leading up to December and all the magic of Christmas. I’m not sure if you know, but the countdown has already begun! It is easy to feel like we’re running just to catch up.

I often find myself running around trying to make all the things exciting for my family. I also find myself getting tied up in the details that don’t really matter. If I can catch myself and switch gears out of that cycle of keeping up, I find that I enjoy the slower pace of the holiday season. Having extra guests coming through and parties to attend can also be stressful during the coming months. Sit down as a family and pick and choose which outings make the most sense for the schedule that is already in place with sports, choir or band concerts, homecomings, and plays. It is okay to say no to something that will take time and energy away from your family. The holiday season should be one where we stop and take a big deep breath of gratitude for our family and friends.

Along with planning out the activities with your family, I would like to leave you with one of my favorite holiday hacks. I will start making my Cinnamon Sugar Almonds in October and keep them around throughout the holidays. They are great to have on hand with guests coming and going. I also love to take them with me to parties as a thank you to the hostess and family. Just make sure you know about any allergies. From my home to yours, enjoy the gift of togetherness.

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

Ingredients:

3 cups whole raw almonds

1 cup sugar

½ tbsp. Cinnamon

¼ c. water

Instructions:

In a large skillet or pot, combine the sugar, cinnamon and water over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the almonds and stir constantly with a spoon or spatula coating the almonds with the sugar mixture. Keep stirring until the sugar crystallizes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t stop stirring. Remove from heat and spread onto parchment paper to cool. Enjoy!

-Kasey Owens

Realtor, EXIT Realty Cahaba

[email protected]

205-913-6368

www.EXITRealtyCahaba.com

October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Statistics reveal a dire need for epilepsy advocacy. 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy. These numbers highlight the pressing urgency of the cause and the scale of impact that events like Wings of Hope: A Fundraising Gala Benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of AL help ensure.

Elaina Burt with Charlie Mae — Seen here is Elaina Burt with her cousin Charlie Mae, who inspired her to form Charlie’s Chance.

In an event that melds a passion for aviation with a dedication to epilepsy advocacy, Wings of Hope marked a historic moment in fundraising efforts for epilepsy awareness in its inaugural year last year. Spearheaded by Miss Alabama’s Teen, Elaina Burt, this landmark event etched its name in epilepsy advocacy and will happen again on November 18 at 5 p.m. at The Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham.

At the heart of this cause lies a poignant personal story. Charlie Mae, Burt’s cousin, is one among the staggering 50 million people worldwide diagnosed with epilepsy. It’s this deep personal connection that led Burt to form Charlie’s Chance, aiming to educate, advocate, and fundraise for those with epilepsy. “We invite people from the community to join us and fill the Southern Museum of Flight, echoing the unified chant of hope for every epilepsy warrior out there,” Burt shared. Last year’s gala raised an awe-inspiring amount of over $32,000, making Charlie’s Chance the nation’s leading individual fundraising contributor for the Epilepsy Foundation last year, and she hopes to exceed that goal this year.

Learn more about the Wings of Hope Gala at www.charlieschance.org/wings-of-hope-gala or email [email protected]. †

October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

Are you looking for the big and strong type? Today is your lucky day. Meet Big Boy! This handsome guy has been waiting for his forever home for a long time. He’s one of our longest residents in the rescue. Is he big? Yes. But he’s also playful, loyal and has the goofiest smile you will ever see.

Big Boy loves having his sides and belly scratched, giving kisses and frolicking through the backyard. He is crate trained and gets along with other dogs as long as they mind their manners. Some of his favorite hobbies include swimming in the creek, napping past noon and sniffing the flowers. If you think you can handle slobbery kisses and pure silliness, then Big Boy is the one for you. Learn more about Big Boy at www.twobytworescue.com/adopting.

Two by Two is a faith based, no kill rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, stray and distressed animals. Saving animal lives for more than 20 years, Two by Two operates out of Helena, Alabama, and has coordinated the rescue and adoption of cats, dogs, horses and even a few pot-bellied pigs. Two by Two has adopted out dogs across the United States and even a few abroad! To learn more about Two by Two visit www.twobytworescue.com. †

November 20, 2023October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Christmas gift boxes laid out 210459529

Publisher’s Note

Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas to You- Our Readers!

As we celebrate the season, all of us at Birmingham Christian Family wanted to do something special for readers like you who read and spread Good News with your family and friends each month- either sharing a print issue or reading and sharing one of our articles on-line. So, get ready to enjoy our Annual Jingle All the Way Reader Give-A-Ways!

The fun starts on Friday, November 17 with

4 Weeks of Great Give-A-Ways all valued at $200 or more!

Week 1 $200 Psalm 34 Bakery & Catering Gift Card, www.psalm34bakeryandcatering.com

Week 2 Smoky Mountains Weekend Getaway from Your Home Away From Home ($500 Plus Value, 2 night stay), www.cabins.tannermanor.org

Week 3 Filson Dryden Backpack ($265 value) from Mark’s Outdoors, Vestavia, www.marksoutdoors.com

Week 4 $250 Trak Shak Gift Card to use at any area Track Shak, www.trakshak.com

To be entered to receive the Psalm 34 Bakery & Catering $200 Gift Card and the Smoky Mountains Weekend Getaway, LIKE and SHARE the giveaway post for each Facebook @Birmingham Christian Family and TAG 3 friends in the comments.

To be entered to receive the Mark’s Outdoors Filson Dryden Backpack ($265 value) and Trak Shak $250 Gift Card LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Instagram @cfpbirmingham. Post to your story on Instagram for an extra entry.

WINNERS for each giveaway will be announced EVERY FRIDAY morning on the Giveaway Post- November 24, December 1, 8, and 15, 2023. So be sure to LIKE our pages!

A NEW GIVEAWAY begins EVERY FRIDAY afternoon- November 24, December 1, 8, and 15, 2023.

A BIG THANK YOU to our advertising partners who make the gift giving possible and most importantly help us share the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ with readers and followers every day of the year!

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

-Laurie Franklin

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter: @cfpBirmingham

Instagram: @cfpbirmingham

Pinterest: @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 23 Years of Good News!

October 24, 2023October 24, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Home for the Holidays

Almost nothing compares to the satisfaction of being a good host for the holidays—almost. Pleas for your dressing recipe and ahhhs over the centerpiece are gratifying in their own right, to be sure. But nothing can match the joy of knowing you’ve wowed your guests before they’ve even arrived. Before even crossing your threshold, your home’s exterior already speaks volumes about the atmosphere inside. Most consider curb appeal only when it comes time to buy or sell a home, but it’s a critical element of entertaining that you could be ignoring. A burlap and foliage fall wreath is all well and good, but did you realize that the door you hang it on is what could really impress your visitors?

For decades, Birmingham-based Classic Iron Works has been helping families update their entryways with the timeless beauty of wrought iron and metalwork. Castle entry doors are their latest offering that promises to elevate the image of your home year-round. American-made quality steel is the starting point for each model in Classic’s diverse lineup of castle entry doors. That steel is then molded into one of many eye-catching designs boasting swooping filigreed arches and sharp, clean lines. Classic can finish the steel and glass of your door in a wide variety of styles to suit even the most far-flung facade. Every facet down to the handle set can be customized to your taste. The steelwork behind Classic’s marvelous castle entry doors marries security, beauty, and energy efficiency. A triple threat if ever there were one. Quick and easy installation means you don’t have to go one more holiday season without the safety and sophistication of premium U.S. steel. Castle entry doors are the number one way to put your best foot forward when you welcome friends and family this year! Learn more at www.ClassicIronWorks.com. †

Slow Cooker Turkey: Your Key to a Stress-Free, Flavorful Thanksgiving

Subscribe FREE and be the first to get our good news - delivered right to your inbox.

Connect on Social Media