Twomey's Turkeys

Spent a lovely fall afternoon interviewing the charming Joe Twomey at his farm in Groton. Twomey raises American Bronze Turkeys, an endangered species of heirloom turkeys. But don't even think about trying to buy one. He sells them to friends, family members and neighbors who have signed-up a year in advance for one of the juicy, flavorful birds. If you want one of his birds for next year, you'll have to "friend" him, and I don't mean on Facebook; I mean the old fashioned way. He doesn't make any money on the enterprise, only enough to supply his family with one huge bird, which he cooks in this...

It cooks all day long since the oven only gets up to 300 degrees. Turning the turkey every hour becomes a major event in his lively household (he has 8 children who all turn-up for Thanksgiving dinner, with accompanying grandchildren and in-laws). It takes 2 people to turn the thing and 1 to hold-open the door! But, as you know, I've been there. Have a Happy Turkey Day.