Demystifying the White Things on Turkey Legs: A Deep Dive into Turkey Booties and Chop Frills

You have to expect that your turkey might become a little self-conscious after all the attention he receives on Thanksgiving. 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, sometimes referred to as turkey frills, are tiny paper caps placed on the tips of turkey legs to hide the ugly 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. To the best of our knowledge, turkey booties have endured for a very long time and don’t appear to be going away. Advertisement.

If you’re an avid fan of turkey booties, you probably have a favorite recipe or know how to make them yourself. 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

To keep the paper attached, make tiny cuts all the way along the strip, being cautious not to cut through the tab at the bottom. DearMartiniKitchen.

Fold the paper back over itself in the opposite direction, and fold over the bottom tab.DearMartiniKitchenAdvertisement

Roll the whole strip around your finger to fit it to about the size of your turkey leg. DearMartiniKitchen.

Next, cut the strip to the appropriate length, attach it with tape, and gently fluff up the frills to give them a lovely appearance. DearMartiniKitchen.

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.

Ever wondered about those little white paper caps adorning the ends of turkey legs? They’re not just decorative; they have a fascinating history and a practical purpose. Let’s delve into the world of these culinary curiosities, uncovering their origins, evolution and surprising uses.

Unveiling the Mystery: What Are Those White Things?

Those white paper caps, often referred to as turkey booties or chop frills, are a culinary tradition dating back centuries. They’re essentially decorative paper coverings placed over the exposed bone ends of turkey legs. While they may seem like a quaint, outdated practice, they once served a crucial purpose.

A Historical Journey: The Origins of Turkey Booties

The story of turkey booties begins in the 17th century, during an era when carving meat was considered a lady’s domain. Back then, carving forks were not yet commonplace, and women relied on their hands to expertly dissect the roast. To protect their delicate fingers from the sharp edges of bones and the mess of carving juices, they ingeniously devised these paper coverings.

These paper frills, as described by 19th-century writer John Cordy Jeaffreson, were a testament to the elegance and practicality of the time. They ensured that the “lady-carvers” could maintain their pristine appearance while fulfilling their culinary duties.

Evolution of a Tradition: From Practicality to Aesthetics

As carving forks gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, the need for protection diminished. However, the tradition of turkey booties persisted, evolving into a purely aesthetic element. These frilly paper caps became a charming way to conceal the less-than-appetizing bone ends, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to the Thanksgiving table.

Beyond Turkey: The Versatility of Chop Frills

While primarily associated with turkeys, chop frills found their way onto other roasted poultry and meat dishes Lamb, chicken, and even leg of mutton were adorned with these decorative paper trimmings, transforming them into visually appealing culinary masterpieces

A Touch of Nostalgia: Reviving the Tradition

In recent decades, the use of turkey booties has waned, replaced by the convenience of disposable aluminum foil. However, there’s a growing trend of reviving this nostalgic tradition. Home cooks and culinary enthusiasts are rediscovering the charm and practicality of these paper frills, adding a touch of vintage flair to their holiday feasts.

DIY Delight: Crafting Your Own Turkey Booties

If you’re feeling crafty, you can easily create your own turkey booties using parchment paper or wax paper. Simply cut out circles or squares, fold them into cones, and secure them around the bone ends with a dab of glue or tape. You can even get creative with colors and patterns to match your Thanksgiving décor.

The white things on turkey legs, known as turkey booties or chop frills, are more than just decorative embellishments. They represent a fascinating culinary tradition with a practical origin and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you choose to embrace this tradition or opt for a more modern approach, these paper caps add a unique and whimsical element to the Thanksgiving table.

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Turkey booties are not turkey butts.

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. DearMartiniKitchen

Unfold the paper.DearMartiniKitchen

Fold the paper back over itself in the opposite direction, and fold over the bottom tab.DearMartiniKitchenAdvertisement

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.DearMartiniKitchen

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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FAQ

What are those things they put on turkey legs?

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. They’re shaped sort of like miniature chefs’ hats, and might be frilled or rounded at the top.

Can you eat turkey leg tendons?

To eat the meat from around a turkey leg bone, you can use a knife to carefully cut away the meat from the bone, or you can use your fingers to pull the meat off the bone. Be sure to discard any tendons, gristle, or other unwanted bits as you go.

Do you have to clean turkey legs?

There is no need to wash the turkey leg but feel free to rinse in cold water if you prefer. These turkey legs can often taste bland so I like to season them lightly with an all purpose low sodium bbq rub or poultry seasoning.