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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Divorce and Your Mortgage: What You Need to Know

By Marci Deane • May 13, 2026
Going Through a Separation? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Mortgage Separation or divorce can be one of life’s most stressful transitions—and when real estate is involved, the financial side of things can get complicated fast. If you and your partner own a home together, figuring out what happens next with your mortgage is a critical step in moving forward. Here’s what you need to know: You’re Still Responsible for Mortgage Payments Even if your relationship changes, your obligation to your mortgage lender doesn’t. If your name is on the mortgage, you’re fully responsible for making sure payments continue. Missed payments can lead to penalties, damage your credit, or even put your home at risk of foreclosure. If you relied on your partner to handle payments during the relationship, now is the time to take a proactive role. Contact your lender directly to confirm everything is on track. Breaking or Changing Your Mortgage Comes With Costs Dividing your finances might mean refinancing, removing someone from the title, or selling the home. All of these options come with potential legal fees, appraisal costs, and mortgage penalties—especially if you’re mid-term with a fixed-rate mortgage. Before making any decisions, speak with your lender to get a clear picture of the potential costs. This info can be helpful when finalizing your separation agreement. Legal Status Affects Financing If you're applying for a new mortgage after a separation, lenders will want to see official documentation—like a signed separation agreement or divorce decree. These documents help the lender assess any ongoing financial obligations like child or spousal support, which may impact your ability to qualify. No paperwork yet? Expect delays and added scrutiny in the mortgage process until everything is finalized. Qualifying on One Income Can Be Tougher Many couples qualify for mortgages based on combined income. After a separation, your borrowing power may decrease if you're now applying solo. This can affect your ability to buy a new home or stay in the one you currently own. A mortgage professional can help you reassess your financial picture and identify options that make sense for your situation—whether that means buying on your own, co-signing with a family member, or exploring government programs. Buying Out Your Partner? You May Have Extra Flexibility In cases where one person wants to stay in the home, lenders may offer special flexibility. Unlike traditional refinancing, which typically caps borrowing at 80% of the home’s value, a “spousal buyout” may allow you to access up to 95%—making it easier to compensate your former partner and retain the home. This option is especially useful for families looking to minimize disruption for children or maintain community ties. You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone Separation is never simple—but with the right support, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re keeping the home, selling, or starting fresh, working with a mortgage professional can help you understand your options and create a strategy that aligns with your new goals. Let’s talk through your situation and explore the best path forward. I’m here to help.

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.