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Re. the turkey, don't stress TOO much. I did Thanksgiving for the first time last year (sandwiched between work trips to Europe, so I couldn't even do the shopping myself!) and I was able to get away with a small enough turkey to use Bittman's start-upside-down-and-flip method. With a TJ's pre-brined turkey it worked like a dream.

What's the difference between Cook's Illustrated and Cook's Country? (from the same people) I just subscribed to Cook's Illustrated, and now they want to send me a sample issue of Cook's Country. I'm thinking I just went through this...

I am also hosting Thanksgiving this year and I am planning to skip the full-on turkey and do a slow cooker turkey breast with fall vegetables (sweet potato, butternut squash, onions, garlic). Not nearly as photogenic, but it will really decrease stress!

Also, I don't think a turkey would fit in my oven.

my only complaint with cook's illustrated is the paying for everything little bit.

i.e.
Cook's Illustrated Magazine - one cost
Cook's Illustrated Online - one cost
Cook's Country - one cost
Cook's Country online - one cost

you get the idea. We dropped the print magazine and went with CI online with open access to all the recipes (except those designated cook's country).

Anyway, on the TV show they did the inverted whole turkey roast too. I have never tried it.

In some past issue or episode they made mashed potatoes with sour cream instead of milk. They are wonderful that way, but probably less healthy so it's a good holiday only version.

I don't really mind paying for Cooks Illustrated and Cooks Country online and print to avoid the hundreds of pages of advertisements found in other magazines and websites. Though I wish they would offer some type of all-inclusive price.

I personally think that Cooks Country is a little more down-home cooking, meat and potatoes oriented. (Which as a midwesterner fits our family perfectly.) I like having both because I think Cooks Country does great remakes of old famous recipes, as well as great quick meal ideas.

I like Cooks Illustrated for their new dishes and vast education on all things food and cooking.

As for them sending you a Cooks Country sample, you'll probably get one anyway at some point as a CI subscriber, so you don't have to special order it. You may want to check a copy from your library, or grocery store to see what you think. I had their online subscription and recenty got the print because I like it so much.

About the new issue, my ultimate favorite pumpkin pie has been their Cooks Illustrated Best Pumpkin Pie, found here: http://www.dailyolive.com/2004/09/best-pumpkin-pi.html
I wasn't so thrilled about the new one, though I'll admit I've never had sweet potato pie (but do love sweet potatoes), the addition of candied yams and minced ginger don't do a lot for me.

I can't decide whether to do the turkey this year, or let mom do it, sadly her turkey can often taste like jerky, as good of a cook as she is, she's of the cook it wayyyy too long method.

Good luck with your first Thanksgiving. Prep as much as you can beforehand, and enjoy it as it happens. Don't put too much pressure on yourself :)

bobcatsteph3 makes a good point. I didn't even think of the lack of ads. I retract my gripe.

Thanks. I may succumb to Cook's Country as well.