For all the attention your turkey gets on Thanksgiving, you have to assume he may get a little self conscious. Sitting up there, featherless and exposed on the table, hes bound to want to, er, cover up. Thankfully he has turkey booties for when hes feeling a little modest. If youre wondering what the hell turkey booties are, dont worry: youre not alone. Allow us to explain.
Turkey booties, also known as turkey frills, are little paper caps that people stick on the end of turkey legs, to cover up the unsightly ends of the bones. Theyre shaped sort of like miniature chefs hats, and might be frilled or rounded at the top. They dont serve any other purpose than an aesthetic one, but that never stopped a trend from enduring. As far as we can tell, turkey booties have been around a long time and show no sign of fading into oblivion. Advertisement
If youre a devoted turkey bootie fan, you probably already have your go-to source or know how to make your own. For the uninitiated, heres a quick tutorial on how to make your own turkey booties this Thanksgiving.
Fold a long strip of paper in half, lengthwise, leaving a small strip at the bottom.
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Cut small slits along the strip, but be careful not to cut through the tab at the bottom, so that the paper stays connected. 
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Fold the paper back over itself in the opposite direction, and fold over the bottom tab.
DearMartiniKitchen
Roll the whole strip around your finger to fit it to about the size of your turkey leg. 
DearMartiniKitchen
Then cut the strip to make it the right size, connect it with tape and fluff out the frills a bit, to make them look pretty.
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Place the booties on your bird after its cooked. You dont want to make it even harder for your turkey to get around, after all. 
Poultry Bonkers
Turkey ass, also known as the parson’s nose, pope’s nose, or sultan’s nose, refers to the fatty, fleshy part at the back end of a turkey, opposite the breast While many home cooks discard or avoid this section, turkey ass has a distinct taste and texture that can add incredible depth of flavor to dishes when used properly
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about turkey ass, including what it’s made of, why it has so many quirky names, how to cook it, and some delicious ways to make the most of this underappreciated part of the turkey.
Anatomy of Turkey Ass
So what exactly comprises the turkey ass? Here’s a breakdown:
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Skin and fat cap The turkey ass is coated with fatty skin and an external fat cap. This contributes crunchy, crispy texture when cooked
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Cartilaginous tail vertebrae: There are small, cartilage-based bones from the tail attached to the ass. These bones help enrich the flavor of stocks and braises.
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Muscle meat: The ass is made up of tough dark meat surrounding the vertebrae. This meat becomes succulent and juicy when slowly cooked.
The combination of skin, fat, bones, and dark meat makes turkey ass ideal for boosting flavor in a wide variety of dishes through different cooking methods.
Common Names for Turkey Ass
Turkey ass goes by many colorful colloquial names, including:
- Parson’s nose
- Pope’s nose
- Sultan’s nose
- Turkey tail
- Turkey butt
The most popular theory for why it’s called “parson’s nose” is that the shape resembles the nose of a stereotypical parson or minister. The other playful names like “pope’s nose” likely refer to the same resemblance.
Flavor and Texture
Compared to lean white breast meat, turkey ass has a much more pronounced turkey flavor thanks to its high fat content. When cooked properly, here’s what you can expect:
- The skin becomes extremely crispy and crunchy when fried.
- The dark meat itself is juicy, succulent, and rich.
- The collagen melts into rich gelatin when braised, adding body and silky texture to sauces.
Overall, turkey ass can provide texture contrast and turbo-charged turkey essence to dishes. It just needs the right cooking method to coax the most out of its full flavor potential.
Nutritional Value
Turkey ass is high in calories, fat, and cholesterol compared to other cuts like breast meat. However, it does provide some nutritional value:
- Good source of zinc, iron, potassium and B vitamins.
- Skin and bones supply collagen, which supports joint and gut health.
- Provides some protein as well (though not as much as breast meat).
Enjoying turkey ass occasionally can add flavor and nutrition to your diet. But as with any high-fat food, practice moderation.
How to Cook Turkey Ass
Cooking method has a major impact on the final flavor and texture of turkey ass. Here are some tips for preparation:
- Clean thoroughly, removing any feathers or external fat cap.
- For crispy skin, score deeply before cooking to render the fat.
- When making stock, smash bones to release the marrow.
- Braise for 1-2 hours in liquid until fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Deep fry the skin at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy.
Proper cooking unlocks the full potential of this flavorful and versatile cut.
Delicious Ways to Use Turkey Ass
Here are some of the tastiest ways to make the most of turkey ass:
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Make rich, gelatinous stock: Simmer turkey ass in water to extract dense, turkey-flavored collagen and gelatin. Perfect for gravy, soups, stews, and more.
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Fortify stuffing: Dice up the meat and mix into stuffing for extra moistness and turkey taste.
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Crispy turkey skin chips: Fry the skin in oil until super crunchy then season and eat as a snack.
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Braise in stew: Slow cook turkey ass in stew or soup for insanely tender, pull-apart meat.
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Season greens: Boil in seasoned water then use the broth to cook down collard greens, kale, spinach, and more.
With the right recipes, you can transform turkey ass into something delicious!
Storing and Freezing Turkey Ass
Raw or cooked turkey ass can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze turkey ass in a freezer bag for 2-3 months. Defrost slowly in the fridge before using.
Make sure to store any homemade turkey ass stock in the freezer as well. The collagen will gel into a wiggly solid when chilled.
Don’t Toss the Turkey Ass!
While the thought of cooking turkey ass may not immediately appeal to some, its unique texture and insane savory flavor make it a treasure for experienced cooks. With the right prep and cooking methods, you can transform turkey ass into an honorary guest of honor at your dinner table.
Next time you cook a whole turkey, set aside the ass and experiment with frying, braising, making stock, and other recipes. You may just find that this underutilized cut offers some of the most intense turkey flavor possible.
So don’t just discard the turkey ass – put it to delicious use! Your taste buds will thank you.
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For all the attention your turkey gets on Thanksgiving, you have to assume he may get a little self conscious. Sitting up there, featherless and exposed on the table, hes bound to want to, er, cover up. Thankfully he has turkey booties for when hes feeling a little modest. If youre wondering what the hell turkey booties are, dont worry: youre not alone. Allow us to explain.
Turkey booties are not turkey butts.
Turkey booties, also known as turkey frills, are little paper caps that people stick on the end of turkey legs, to cover up the unsightly ends of the bones. Theyre shaped sort of like miniature chefs hats, and might be frilled or rounded at the top. They dont serve any other purpose than an aesthetic one, but that never stopped a trend from enduring. As far as we can tell, turkey booties have been around a long time and show no sign of fading into oblivion. Advertisement
If youre a devoted turkey bootie fan, you probably already have your go-to source or know how to make your own. For the uninitiated, heres a quick tutorial on how to make your own turkey booties this Thanksgiving.
Fold a long strip of paper in half, lengthwise, leaving a small strip at the bottom.DearMartiniKitchen
Cut small slits along the strip, but be careful not to cut through the tab at the bottom, so that the paper stays connected. DearMartiniKitchenAdvertisement
Unfold the paper.
DearMartiniKitchen
Fold the paper back over itself in the opposite direction, and fold over the bottom tab.DearMartiniKitchen
Roll the whole strip around your finger to fit it to about the size of your turkey leg. DearMartiniKitchen
Then cut the strip to make it the right size, connect it with tape and fluff out the frills a bit, to make them look pretty.DearMartiniKitchenAdvertisement
Place the booties on your bird after its cooked. You dont want to make it even harder for your turkey to get around, after all. Poultry Bonkers
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Norbit (2007) Turkey Ass (2/22)
FAQ
What does turkey mean in slang?
Beloved as turkeys may be as holiday-eating fare, you, as a human, probably don’t want to be called a turkey. The word is an insult, referring to a person who has done something ill advised or stupid, as in that uncle who decides to introduce his new girlfriend to his ex-wife on Thanksgiving Day.
What kind of meat is turkey tail?
The tail is actually a gland that attaches the turkey’s feathers to its body. It is filled with oil that the bird uses to preen itself, so about 75 percent of its calories come from fat. It’s not clear why turkeys arrive at U.S. stores tailless.
What is the slang for a male turkey?
Gobbler – This is the adult male of the turkey species. This bird can weigh upwards of 25 plus pounds and has a beard that grows out of his chest along with spurs on his lower legs. The spur length signifies his age.
What is the difference between Turkey Breast and Turkey ass?
Compared to the lean breast meat, the turkey ass has a more pronounced turkey flavor thanks to its higher fat content. The skin is extremely crispy when fried, while the meat itself is juicy and succulent. The abundant connective tissue melts into rich gelatin when slowly cooked in liquid.
Does Turkey ass have nutritional value?
The turkey ass does contain some nutritional value, as it is a source of protein and fat. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, as it is a fatty cut of the turkey. It is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of the diet.
What is a turkey butt mug?
Get the Turkey Butt mug. The condition of having one’s clothing stuck between the buttocks.When ones ass gobbels up their pants. A camel toe but from behind, a wedgie. “WOW! Look at that guys turkey butt” Get the turkey butt mug. Miley Cyruses display of her sad excuse for a butt at the 2013 VMAs. Get the the turkey butt mug.
How do you cook a Turkey ass?
When making stock, smash bones with a meat mallet to release marrow. Braise in liquid over low heat for 1-2 hours until tender. Shred or chop meat. Deep fry skin at 350°F until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Store fresh or cooked turkey ass in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
What does a turkey tail taste like?
A turkey tail is a cut of meat from the turkey that includes the tail feathers and the surrounding muscle tissue. It is a dark meat cut that is known for its rich flavor and juicy texture. Turkey tails can be roasted, smoked, or braised, and they make a great addition to a variety of dishes. What does turkey tails taste like?
Why do people eat turkey tails in Samoa?
In Samoa, for instance, turkey tails became deeply ingrained in the local food culture, consumed with gusto and often paired with a refreshing Budweiser. The convivial atmosphere surrounding its consumption further cemented its place as a beloved social food. The Health Concerns and the Ban that Wasn’t