Tri-Wellness
  • Home
  • About
    • Lisa Shanken
    • Brooke Null
    • Jessica Vanderhoof
    • Testimonials
  • Wellness Services
    • Personal Wellness Services
    • Festival Wellness Services
  • Executive Functioning Coaching
  • Social Bloom
  • Blog
  • Contact

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment

Tri-Wellness

Tri-Wellness

The Best Online Executive Functioning Coach

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment

  • Home
  • About
    • Lisa Shanken
    • Brooke Null
    • Jessica Vanderhoof
    • Testimonials
  • Wellness Services
    • Personal Wellness Services
    • Festival Wellness Services
  • Executive Functioning Coaching
  • Social Bloom
  • Blog
  • Contact

Essential Basting Techniques

By Lisa Shanken
May 10, 2010
Basting the turkey

Whether you're into grilling, barbecuing or rotisserie, chances are that you've tried your hand at basting. Basting is a cooking process wherein the meat you're cooking over a long period of time is periodically moistened by way of brushing, pouring or spooning the meat's own juices or marinade, thereby preventing the meat from drying out. Basting not only adds flavor to the meat but also adds a delicious glossy sheen.

A Note of Precaution

Basters beware! Sometimes if you keep opening the oven door, you lower the oven's overall temperature, causing the meat to have to cook longer and ultimately drying it out. Avoid the 'watched pot never boils' cliché and keep that door closed. Always remember that basting works best when the sauces you're working with are sticky, not watery.
Basting Mixes

Different liquids can be used for basting like melted butter, pan drippings, broth or a combination of ingredients. Thick is best, so if using broth, go for a thick stock, not a thin one. The same goes for melted butter or drippings. Feel free to add your own herbs to the basting mix. Rosemary and tarragon go great with chicken, while a mixture of scallions, oregano and parsley can't be beat with beef.

Basting Tools

The proper basting tool should be used when doing a specific recipe.  Bulb basters are good for collecting turkey drippings from the bottom of the pan and squeezing over the turkey. A basting brush achieves an even coat, and are readily available. If barbeque sauce is used to add flavor to meat then a basting brush will do nicely.

When to Baste

Some recipe books will cite basting intervals, which is referring to how many times you should baste during cooking time. Try not to have the liquid drip and put out the fire from the heat source. The less you have to open the oven door, the better. If you're grilling, you're pretty safe. Just baste enough to always keep the meat moist.

Basting Recipes

Here's a mashup of some very popular basting recipes:

•    Mad Annie's Turkey Basting - http://www.thespicehouse.com/recipes/mad-annies-turkey-basting-stuff-recipe

•    Bobby Flay's BBQ Baste - http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/bbq-baste

•    Rice Vinegar Basting Sauce -
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Rice-Vinegar-Basting-Sauce/Detail.aspx

•    Beer Basted Turkey -
http://beer.about.com/od/poultry/r/beerbastedturkey.htm

I wouldn't be a nutritionist if I didn't remind you about certain healthy food choices, even while basting. If the sauce asks for white sugar, try to substitute it with brown sugar or molasses. Instead of salt, opt for a triple amount of dry Pecorino cheese. Any oil can be substituted with a heart healthy oil such as virgin olive oil, and avoid margarine as it has trans-fats. And chicken stock can be replaced with vegetable stock.

Baste the Comment Box

How was your brush with basting success?  Are you now dripping with confidence? Don’t be chicken! Leave a comment below.

Share this article
Previous Post
<
Next Post
>
profile-image

Lisa Shanken

My passion is to help you live your healthiest and most harmonious life, but in a way that’s realistic and practical for you as a unique individual on this planet. My philosophy is all about “balance,” never a diet since a diet is not sustainable for life, aka Kill The Diet.

Related Posts
An Evening With The Colorado Psychedelic Society

Psychedlics For Mental Health

By Lisa Shanken
May 6, 2025
On Thursday, May 15th The Colorado Psychedelic Society (CPS) is holding a fundraiser to support their mission of promoting awareness and education about the responsible use of psychedelics for healing. It will be a wonderful experiential event also featuring Zach Leary (son of Timothy Leary) as the keynote speaker. Space...
Read Article
Bullying victim

The Common Fear of Social Embarrassment

By Lisa Shanken
March 12, 2025
The fear of social embarrassment is something most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. It’s that nervous flutter in your stomach when you’re about to speak in front of a crowd or the momentary panic you feel when you realize you’ve mispronounced someone’s name. This fear...
Read Article
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 93
  • Go to Next Page »

Testimonials

Lisa’s weight loss plan really gave me a new insight to healthy eating and living. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2015. Healthy living/easting/exercise has become very important to me and my family and this program really helped me get even more on the course with this and helped me lose weight.

Danielle D, Great Neck, NY

When I heard about the 10 Day Weight Loss Challenge, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit, since as a physician, I understand nutrition and health (and therefore knew the dangers of fad diets, etc…), and I do my best to exercise (though not always enough). But as a single mother of 2, it’s still very challenging ti “fit in all in” (including cooking healthy meals for my children) due to my busy schedule. And when my time is short, bad habits crop up and weight gain follows.

Dr. Gila Ackerman, Boulder, CO

Psychiatrist
Lisa has made an enormous contribution to my health and strength. I have seen and felt the most fantastic changes in an amazingly short time.

Chessie F, Boulder, CO

I just wanted to say you were amazing through this 10 day process! I learned so much from you! You were very thorough in all areas of the challenge and got back to us in such a quick manner with our questions. It was a great jump start into a more healthy life style that’s for sure!

Colby E, Boulder, Colorado

I LOVE the recipes, simple, few ingredients, appealing. I like the idea of using the list of staples you provided when i was tempted to cheat!

Phyliss S, Spring House, PA

I worked with Lisa to develop a holistic wellness plan that has allowed personal growth without having to completely change my lifestyle. Her programs are designed around your personal needs, so I always feel like I've gotten the most from my sessions and leave with manageable goals. Lisa's three-prong approach to wellness (fitness, nutrition and health) is helping me live a balanced and grateful life.

Ali S., Boulder, CO

I’ve been through the ringer with different dieting plans through the years. Some helped me lose weight and some didn’t – but it didn’t matter because I would always gain it back. I didn’t know if this 10 day Weight Loss Challenge would be the answer since everyone says they have the “BEST” way to lose weight. But this one seemed to be more doable – like instead of starving myself, keeping track of calories (“been there done that – VERY annoying!”) and things I know I wouldn’t stick to.

Jill W, Park, NY

Lisa, you have been a very positive role model for me! Through the exercise and diet I’m becoming healthy and more positive about my life!!! Thanks!

Melissa B, Boulder, Colorado

Blog Articles

An Evening With The Colorado Psychedelic Society

Psychedlics For Mental Health

Read More »
Bullying victim

The Common Fear of Social Embarrassment

Read More »
Chatting and smiling

How to Improve Your Communication Skills in Social Settings

Read More »
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 62
  • Go to Next Page »

Send Us A Message

Footer

Tri-Wellness

2299 Pearl St #100, Boulder, CO 80302

Quick Links

  • About
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Member’s Area
  • Contact

Services

  • Personal Wellness Services
  • Festival Wellness Services
  • Executive Functioning Coaching

Newsletter Signup

Get the latest wellness, nutrition, fitness, and mental health tips and news from Tri-Wellness delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe Now

Copyright 2024. Lisa Shanken. All Rights Reserved
Designed and Developed by Gloss

  • Disclosure Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service