Enjoy a Unique Thanksgiving with These Three Uncommon – Yet Delicious – Ways to Cook Your Turkey

Marci • October 7, 2014

If you’re a fan of large, delicious meals and spending time with family and friends you’re likely getting excited for Thanksgiving. In today’s blog post we’ll share three uncommon ways that you can cook a turkey as the centrepiece of a mouth-watering Thanksgiving feast.
Thanksgivig dinner on table

The Beer Can Turkey: a Grilled Masterpiece

If you have a larger barbecue and are a fan of moist, succulent turkeys you may want to cook up a “beer can turkey”. For this recipe you’ll need a fully-thawed turkey, your favourite spice rub, a taller can of beer (at least 650 mL), and an aluminum roasting pan or baking pan. Prepare the turkey by removing any strings or ties and by cleaning out the innards. Give the turkey a full rub-down with your spice rub, ensuring that you get the entire bird covered. Now, open up the beer can and insert it into the turkey – you’re going to want the turkey to stand upright so if necessary find something to prop it up against the sides of the pan. Preheat your barbecue or grill to about 300 degrees F and cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the turkey, occasionally basting the turkey with its juices. Once the turkey is fully cooked you’ll want to let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving into it. This recipe also works very well for roasting a smaller chicken!

The Turducken: a Weapon of Mass Deliciousness

The Turducken is a legendary Thanksgiving dish and one that will leave your guests full and very appreciative of your cooking skills. You’ll need a larger turkey (at least 10 pounds) which has been deboned except for the wing and legs, a medium-sized duck (about 5 pounds) and a small chicken (about 3 pounds), both of which must be completely deboned. Placing the turkey skin-side down, coat the inside of the bird with stuffing and lay the duck on top with its skin-side down. Stuff the duck as you did the turkey and lay the chicken skin-side down on top. Finally you’ll want to close the Turducken, wrapping it tightly with a number of strings to ensure that it stays closed throughout the cooking process. Note that a Turducken will take longer to cook than your average turkey, so be sure to start early and keep an eye on your internal thermometer.

The Deep-fried: Not for the Faint of Heart (Or Arteries)

Finally, if you have access to a deep fryer – or are very handy when cooking with oil – you can deep-fry your turkey. While this might sound like a messy or unhealthy way to cook a turkey, you’ll find that underneath its crispy skin the turkey is moist, delicious and no more fatty than if you had cooked it with a traditional method. Once the turkey is thawed and cleaned you can get it ready for frying. You’ll want to ensure that you use a paper towel to absorb water from the inside and outside of the turkey, which will help to prevent splashing. As every deep fryer is different, you’ll want to follow the instructions on your fryer to ensure you get the best results.

While I might not be there to help you cook your turkey, I am always here to help you with your mortgage needs. If you have questions about mortgages or you’re thinking about buying a home in the near future, contact me by phone or email and I’ll share how I can help. Thanks for visiting and happy Thanksgiving!

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Everything You Need to Know About Second Mortgages

By Marci Deane • May 6, 2026
What Is a Second Mortgage, Really? (It’s Not What Most People Think) If you’ve heard the term “second mortgage” and assumed it refers to the next mortgage you take out after your first one ends, you’re not alone. It’s a common misconception—but the reality is a bit different. A second mortgage isn’t about the order of mortgages over time. It’s actually about the number of loans secured against a single property —at the same time. So, What Exactly Is a Second Mortgage? When you first buy a home, your mortgage is registered on the property in first position . This simply means your lender has the primary legal claim to your property if you ever sell it or default. A second mortgage is another loan that’s added on top of your existing mortgage. It’s registered in second position , meaning the lender only gets paid out after the first mortgage is settled. If you sell your home, any proceeds go toward paying off the first mortgage first, then the second one, and any remaining equity is yours. It’s important to note: You still keep your original mortgage and keep making payments on it —the second mortgage is an entirely separate agreement layered on top. Why Would Anyone Take Out a Second Mortgage? There are a few good reasons homeowners choose this route: You want to tap into your home equity without refinancing your existing mortgage. Your current mortgage has great terms (like a low interest rate), and breaking it would trigger hefty penalties. You need access to funds quickly , and a second mortgage is faster and more flexible than refinancing. One common use? Debt consolidation . If you’re juggling high-interest credit card or personal loan debt, a second mortgage can help reduce your overall interest costs and improve monthly cash flow. Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? A second mortgage can be a smart solution in the right situation—but it’s not always the best move. It depends on your current mortgage terms, your equity, and your financial goals. If you’re curious about how a second mortgage could work for your situation—or if you’re considering your options to improve cash flow or access equity—let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through it and help you explore the right path forward. Reach out anytime—we’ll figure it out together.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

By Marci Deane • April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.

Your Guide to Successfully Navigating the Housing Market

By Marci Deane • April 22, 2026
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.