If your loved ones haven't given you a wish list full of gift ideas this holiday season, you might be at a bit of a loss for what to give them. If you're considering any of the following seven presents, you might want to rethink your gift-giving plan. 1. Household Appliances She may have expressed her desire for a fancy Dyson vacuum cleaner or a convenient KitchenAid mixer sometime this year, but that doesn't make a household appliance a good gift idea. No woman wants to be reminded of household chores or think you're thinking of her as the one who does the cooking and cleaning when she opens her gift. 2. A Pet Even if you think your little ones are ready for a puppy or kitten, save pet adoption for after the holidays. With guests visiting your house, holiday decorations on display, and myriad other distractions during the week, it's the worst time to try and introduce a small animal to its new home. 3. Jewelry You've Seen on a TV Commercial Despite the plethora of television commercials with messages to the contrary, most women do not want a heart-shaped pendant from a chain jewelry store. If your loved one is an accessory lover, opt for something special and one-of-a-kind from an independent jewelry designer on Etsy. 4. Gift Baskets The one thing there's never a lack of during the holidays is food. From cookies, candies, and fruitcakes to ham, mashed potatoes, and gravy, there's always something to pop in our mouths in the last weeks of the year. That's why no one needs any more food coming their way. While a nice gift basket full of cured meats, cheese spreads, fruit, and candy might be delicious, there's already more than enough to eat without giving someone more. 5. A Sweater There's no denying a cashmere sweater is a nice thing, but opening a box and discovering a plain sweater is sort of dull. Plus, the chances of getting the exact style, size, and color the recipient would prefer is slim. Instead, add a nice cashmere scarf or pair of gloves to your loved one's stocking. 6. Credit Card Gift Cards While a nice shiny Amex or Visa gift card sounds like a great gift idea, it can be a hassle for the recipient to use. They're processed as credit cards with a limit of whatever is loaded on the card so it can be difficult to use them for purchases that exceed that amount. And most of these cards have an activation fee you'll have to pay at the point of purchase. Instead, opt for cash or a gift card to a store you're certain your recipient likes to shop in. 7. Lingerie Most women love pretty lingerie, but let's face it, if you're a man buying a woman lingerie, the gift is as much for you as it is for her. And, if you're opening gifts in mixed company, it could be really embarrassing for the recipient. Save the sexy underthings for a Valentine's Day gift and get her something she really wants this holiday season.

7 Gifts to Avoid this Holiday

If you’re feeling as blue as the skies above, you will be happy to know that a few spoonfuls of the right foods may turn that frown upside down! Whole foods contain vital nutrients that provide both physical and psychological benefits. Read on to discover which foods contain those mood-boosters to help you smile your way to longevity. Fun with Folate Eat folate-rich foods: Leafy greens like kale, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, bok choy, legumes, sunflower seeds, oranges, melons, beets, and fortified whole grains Why? Folate, also know as folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for cell division, DNA synthesis, and healthy blood cell production. Research at the University of York and Hull York Medical School has found a link between depression and low levels of folate. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for men and women is 400 micrograms and 600 micrograms for pregnant women. To keep you smiling, increase your intake of folate-rich foods. A cup of cooked lentils provides 90% of the RDA of folic acid. Plus, the fiber and protein will satisfy you longer, stabilize blood sugar, and also promote a better mood. Additional bonuses: Folate can also decrease homocysteine, an amino acid that is linked to heart disease. Low levels of folate can cause anemia, while pregnant women must increase their folate levels to prevent fetal neural tube deficiencies. Boost Your B6 Eat B6 foods: bananas, chicken breast, garlic, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, sunflower seeds, broccoli, red bell peppers, watermelon, avocados, and potatoes Why? Vitamin B6 plays a role in red blood cell metabolism, protein metabolism, and synthesis of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It also helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and increases the amount of oxygen carried to your tissues. Low levels can lead to an increase of homocysteine, anemia, headaches, and depression. The RDA for adults from age 19 to 50 is 1.3 mg/day and approximately 1.6 mg for individuals over 50. The next time you’re feeling down, grab a banana and munch your blues away! Go Fish! Eat omega-3-rich foods: fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herring, flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae Why? DHA omega-3 essential fatty acid maintains healthy brain function and is vital for fetal brain and eye development. Current research also demonstrates the association between intake of omega-3 fatty acids and depression. A meta-analysis study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that depression was significantly improved in patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders after taking three daily fish capsules for eight weeks. Eat the oily fish listed above -- a 3-ounce serving of salmon contains between 1.1 - 1.9 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementing with high quality fish oil capsules may be an alternative if you don’t consume fish on a regular basis. Vegetarian sources of omega-3 can be found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae. Toss a tablespoon of sunflower seeds or walnuts into a creamy cup of unsweetened low-fat yogurt for a mega mood boost! Good Carbs, Bad Carbs Eat good carbs: whole grains, fruits, vegetables Why? Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Whole grains, fruits, and veggies supply us with prolonged energy, fiber, and multiple nutrients that our bodies need for optimal health. Good quality carbohydrates can also trigger serotonin synthesis. Recognized as the “happy hormone,” serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that affects our mood and sleep. The next time you feel blue, instead of reaching for that bag of chips or sugary cookies, opt for unrefined, unprocessed carbohydrates that will provide you with sustained energy and an improved mood. Toss that muffin and enjoy a whole grain cracker with a tablespoon of natural nut butter for a delicious and uplifting snack! You can find many more ways to live to 100 in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. Also, check out my new book Secrets of Longevity 8-Week Program, a journal that offers the best healthy habits to live to 100. You can find many more ways to live to 100 in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. Also, check out my new book Secrets of Longevity 8-Week Program, a journal that offers the best healthy habits to live to 100. I hope you eat foods for many long, happy years. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me. May you live long, live strong, and live happy! —Dr. Mao

Foods that Promote Happiness

As females we spend a decent amount of time worrying about our appearance as it pertains to the opposite sex. We hit the gym, squeeze into Spanx, smooth our skin, lengthen our lashes, straighten or curl our hair, wax our privates, and some even spend a fortune on plastic surgery. But there's one thing every lady is born with that is guaranteed to attract a man: her lips. According to a new study conducted by Manchester University, our lips, not our eyelashes we've been batting so flirtatiously, are the number one thing that catches a man's gaze. Scientists used eye-tracking software to prove that in the ten seconds after meeting a woman for the first time, the average dude spent over half of that time staring at her mouth. By applying red lipstick a gal can keep a guy looking even longer. "For centuries, women have painted their lips red to enhance their appeal," Dr. Geoff Beattie told the Daily Mail. "The practice dates back as far as the Ancient Egyptians, who used red lipstick and rouge to enhance their attractiveness. Our research suggests that red lips and perceived attractiveness are still inextricably linked, with red lipstick the most powerful attractor, and one that significantly increases visual fixation," added Dr. Beattie. With gorgeous celebs men love from Marilyn Monroe to Angelina Jolie to Scarlett Johansson all known for their luscious painted red lips, this kind of seems like an obvious discovery, but now we have proof. Heading out to a holiday party? Apply some bright red lipstick. Whether you're single or attached, who wouldn't mind a little extra attention.

Why we should all wear red lipstick

To the men who are reading this article: There are a lot of women who are very unhappy with you. Really. I know, because as a dating coach, I hear women tell me all the time in the most exasperated tone: “How come I never meet a nice, normal guy? Why do I only get approached by creeps?” You’ve probably heard women say this yourself. So how would you respond to them? I’m guessing it’s something like: “Nice guys are afraid of rejection, don’t want to bother you when you’re out, and are generally more concerned with the consequences of being embarrassed than with actually meeting you.” It may be true, but, as truth goes, it’s a pretty sad state of affairs. What’s easy to forget is that most women want to be approached by you. By not approaching them, you’re letting them down and allowing the creeps to take their shot. Follow these lessons and the next time you’re out, maybe you’ll prove that nice guys don’t finish last. Lesson #1: Assume the answer is yes Have you ever been sold a product before? Hair tonic, a car, bathroom tile? I can guarantee you that the salesperson didn’t pitch you by saying, “Um, excuse me… I hate to bother you… would you be interested in… I mean, probably not, but—” No! Any salesman worth his commission is not just selling confidence in his product, but confidence in himself. “Confidence says I’m bright, I’m likeable, women have liked me in the past, I’m comfortable in my own skin,” says Victor, 38, a real estate broker. “Since she has to make a decision on the spot, confidence through nonverbal communication makes the best impression.” You can even “fake it ’til you make it” through these two very simple means: Smile and maintain eye contact. And remember: If you don’t know that you’re worth talking to, how would she know? Lesson #2: It’s not about you I’m out at a big Hollywood scene with beautiful people. It’s getting late, towards the end of the night, and I ask my buddy Terrance which woman he’s got his eye on. He points to an attractive brunette talking to a cute blonde across the courtyard. Slightly bemused, I tell him that I will make the introduction. As I stride over, I rationalize that if my approach doesn’t go well, she’s not really rejecting me, but rather, Terrance. I know this isn’t true, but it gets me going. I arrive while the women are in mid-conversation. I say nothing for a few seconds and when they both look at me, I chime in: “You guys just keep talking. I’ll interrupt when I’ve got something interesting to contribute.” And that was it. It wasn’t a line. It wasn’t planned. It just happened. After three minutes, Terrance came over, I made the introductions, and we both got phone numbers. The moral of the story? Playing my little conversational trick in all pick-up situations can be really helpful. Just ask any married friend how easy it is to talk with women when you know that there are no stakes involved. If it’s not about you, you can’t possibly fail. Lesson #3: There’s power in numbers Believe it or not, three is better than one. When you approach a woman who is by herself, she knows that you’re hitting on her based solely on your attraction to her. This increases the pressure in a way that doesn’t always make for a comfortable situation. That’s why the safest way to meet a woman is to approach her in a crowd of her friends. Now there’s no pressure, because nobody knows who you’re hitting on, and you can just be the friendly guy who’s chatting with everybody. “If you’re charming, funny or bright,” says Charles, 36, “she might find herself interested in you before you’ve expressed interest in her.” This tilts things in your favor, even to the point where you might be in control. “By charming her friends and getting their approval, the one you like will be that much more open when you ask her out,” adds Charles. Lesson #4: It’s just that easy If you ever doubt how simple it can be to meet a woman, this story should inspire you: I was at a party with some close friends and saw an acquaintance across the room. Late 30s, attractive, friendly, likeable. We’d met probably four times before through a mutual friend who was also at the party. When our eyes met, I smiled at her. She smiled back. Because it was a large and crowded room, I put out my index finger and beckoned her to come over to me. She sort of did a double take, smiled even more broadly and came right over. “Hi,” I said, warmly. “Hi,” she said, blankly. Then it hit me. “You have no idea who I am,” I said. “None whatsoever,” she replied. “It’s Evan. Evan Katz.” “Oh, yes — we’ve met! You cut your hair. I didn’t even recognize you.” She gave me a hug. But I had one more important question to ask her before we continued talking. “Is it really that easy to get a woman to talk to you… just by calling her over with your finger?” She took a second to consider the evidence and replied, “Apparently, it is.” So there you have it. We men have more power than we even realized. Lesson #5: The outcome doesn’t matter Maybe you’re not her type. Maybe she’s just out of a relationship. Maybe she’s having troubles at work. Maybe she’s not perceptive enough to recognize your worth. You never know why someone may not be interested in you. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter. It’s more diminishing to your self-esteem to let fear run your life than it is to get rejected. Here’s one story below that showcases this in a big way. So I was in the checkout line at the grocery store, and I was waiting for a woman with 400 coupons. In the meantime, I was talking to the tall, raven-haired cutie behind me. We were making jokes, laughing, passing the time. All in all, a very pleasant five minutes of my life. The coupon lady finished up. I paid for my stuff, said goodbye to my new friend and rolled my cart out the door. The second I hit the fresh air, I was kicking myself: Dummy! Why didn’t you ask for her phone number? Because I got all embarrassed what with the other people in line and the woman swiping my bar codes. Because of all the other reasons that nice guys wimp out. I decided that this would not do. I was going to wait until she came out of the supermarket and ask her out. And that’s what I did. “Hey, it was a lot of fun meeting you in there,” I said to her as she emerged with her bags. “I was wondering if you’d like to grab lunch sometime.” A big smile came across her face. “You are so cute and I couldn’t be more flattered, but I have a serious, live-in boyfriend. But I really want to thank you for asking. You totally made my day.” After she said goodbye, I went home, walking on air, so happy that I did it, instead of wishing I did it, like so many times before. It didn’t matter if she had a boyfriend or if she was lying or being polite or whatever — all that mattered was that I took a big swing at the plate and even didn’t hurt myself in the process.

Men: 5 lessons for meeting more women

By Lisa Daily George Clooney has yet to show up at my door, but after watching The Secret, I’m convinced he’ll be here any minute. In case you’ve been living on the moon for the past few months and haven’t heard of the global phenomenon that is The Secret, (http://www.thesecret.tv/) let me bring you up to speed. The Secret is a much-hyped film (and now a best-selling book) by Australian filmmaker Rhonda Byrne, based on a loose, new-age interpretation of the Law of Attraction which basically says that you have the power to bring love, wealth, movie stars and even thin thighs into your life. All you have to do is ask the Universe for what you want. And be ready. The Law of Attraction, simply stated, is “Like Attracts Like.” With regard to romantic relationships, if you believe most women are gold-diggers or that men are chronic cheaters, you’ll find yourself attracting more gold diggers and chronic cheaters. On the flip side, if you truly believe that you deserve to be in a great relationship, and that a fantastic person will come along, they will. According to the movie, all you need to do is this: Ask the Universe for what you want Believe that it is already yours Be ready to receive Online encyclopedia Wikipedia.org states, “The Law of Attraction simply says that people attract and manifest into their lives whatever they think about.” Byrne was inspired to produce the film after reading The Science of Getting Rich, a book written in 1910 by Wallace D. Wattles. I heard about it from the guy who does my highlights. And from Oprah. I must admit, The Secret was not a secret to me. I’d heard variations on this stuff since I was old enough to form words. My mother is a woo-woo person from way back who carried rocks in her pocket for energy, practiced Reike on me when I had strep throat, and said daily affirmations in the mirror as she smoothed on her Oil of Olay. Not surprisingly, given its grandiose claims and the quick-fix society we live in, The Secret has received a ton of media attention, some good, some skeptical. Most of the people I interviewed on the topic fell into two distinct camps: those who think The Secret works, and those who think it’s a bunch of baloney. Karin Klein, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, says The Secret is “just a new spin on the very old” and decidedly not secret 1952 title The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale which posited the credo “ask and you shall receive.” Says Klein, Secret creator Rhonda Byrne “took the well-worn ideas of some self-help gurus, customized them for the profoundly lazy, [and] gave them a veneer of mysticism…” A Newsweek article criticizes The Secret for its shallowness. “On an ethical level, The Secret appears deplorable. It concerns itself almost entirely with a narrow range of middle-class concerns — houses, cars and vacations, followed by health and relationships, with the rest of humanity a very distant sixth. Even some of the major figures in the film confess to uneasiness with its relentless materialism.” But thousands, maybe millions of believers disagree. John Assaraf, founder of OneCoach and one of the teachers featured in The Secret, says using it helped him meet his wife. “I wrote exactly what I wanted in a partner on a piece of paper — all of the attributes, all of the compatibility factors: personality, likes, sex, everything. Within one week of moving to San Diego, I met my wife at the local gym. That was eight years ago. I used visualization and then I did one of the most important parts — I let it go to the Universe.” Does The Secret actually work? And can it work to help you find love? I think it does. If you think it does. I think most of the power of The Secret lies in whether or not you believe it. If you believe whole-heartedly that your perfect match is on his (or her) way, thanks to your Universal order form, you’re more likely to be positive, open, and conscious of what qualities are really important to you. All of which will help you to find a compatible mate, whether you believe in your mind’s ability to attract power boats and diamond tiaras or not. Dating coach Keri Newell (http://www.cantdatewithoutit.com) says, “You really have to put the principles into practice for ‘The One’ to appear. Make a list of the qualities you are looking for and be specific. If you don’t believe it, you’re not truly using the laws of attraction and it will not happen for you.” Amy Applebaum, author of the upcoming book, Bootcamp for Your Mind; 6 Steps to a Breakthrough says The Secret isn’t enough. “The Secret is great because it brings to our attention that in order for something to ‘show up’ in our lives — we must be thinking about it to attract it. However, thinking about a relationship, alone, won’t bring one into your life.” Online dating coach Beth Roberts used The Secret to meet her husband as well. “I’m an attorney and control is a big issue for me. I spent a year analyzing online ads to figure out how to attract a man with a strong personality who wasn’t intimidated by a woman with an equally strong personality. Once I created a wish list describing that person, the fifth man I met was my husband!” Lisa Nichols (http://www.lisa-nichols.com), one of the teachers quoted in The Secret, says, “The biggest myth people have about the Law of Attraction is that you simply ask for something, make a cup of tea, sit back, cross your legs, and just wait for the genie to appear, but this is not a passive process. There is no part about the Law of Attraction that says be still. You have to be in action about what you want. You’ve committed to creating something, and the Universe gives you the creative ideas and resources to act and make it happen.” According to Nichols, “When you bump into the right person at the right time, it’s up to you to follow up and call them back.” Nichols says, “Remember, the Law of Attraction is obedient to your thoughts. It is always working in your favor. Your job is to get ready.” Mr. Clooney, wherever you are, I’m ready.

The secret to meeting your husband

Celebrities make the news when they aim to make Hollywood-standard weight by dieting to the extreme. While the Master Cleanse (really, Beyonce?) or coconut craze (yep, Jen) or the baby food diet linked to other celebs might work for them when they need to slim down fast for a multi-million-dollar action film role, most of us do not need to go that far. What we could use, however, is the motivation to cut back on those foods we already know aren't that healthy for us but we've been resisting giving up. Leave the detoxing to those people posing on the red carpet. Instead, release your grip just a little bit on these six foods that are keeping you from looking and feeling your best. Our nutrition experts explain how to get started. Diet soda You might think that your diet drink is saving you calories, but it might actually be costing you more. "Recent research suggests that diet soda may cause more food cravings," says professional sports nutritionist and author Mitzi Dulan, who recommends to all of her clients that they quit drinking all types of soda. Although kicking the can habit can be hard, it is not impossible. Cheryl Forberg, a registered dietitian and nutritionist for "The Biggest Loser," says most of her clients find it easier to subsist on less soda if they don't ignore the craving altogether. Forberg's tip? Replace diet cola with carbonated water flavored with a splash of fruit juice. Kiddie cereal Whether sitting down with a bowl heaped full of Lucky Charms keeps warm, fuzzy childhood memories alive for you or is your way of getting back at your mother for banning sugared cereals when you are a kid, you're well aware it's time for your breakfast (or dinner or midnight indulgence) to grow up. At least a little. "Gobbling a bowl of sugary cereal can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, leaving you feeling irritable or tired," says nutritionist, author, and "TODAY" show contributor Joy Bauer. "Plus, sugary cereals are typically low in fiber and not very filling, which means they’re easy to overeat. Not a great way to start off your day!" If you love them, Bauer suggests you enjoy a small bowl for dessert instead of breakfast. Then choose healthier cereals for your morning meal that have a whole grain as the first ingredient, have no more than eight grams of sugar per serving, and have at least three grams of fiber in each serving. Bauer recommends thoroughly reading the label for nutritional information and that most women stick to one serving of cereal, typically one cup, and that men and very active women eat no more than two. Energy Bars Energy bars are a convenient snack and can help fuel you through a long workout. But under the guise of being healthy, many people take their energy bar eating too far. "People shouldn’t use energy bars as a meal replacement unless you really have no other option," says Joanna Sayago Golub, a senior editor at Runner's World who covers nutrition and weight-loss issues. "In most cases, energy bars don’t provide enough calories for a full meal (especially if you’re very active and exercise a lot), and they certainly don’t provide a complete range of nutrients, meaning you may be getting too much of one type of vitamin or mineral while not enough of others." Energy bars also are not a good pre-workout snack, she notes, unless you plan to exercise for more than an hour. Golub says it's best to cut back gradually until you're only grabbing a bar as a snack occasionally. How can you power up your work day or workout without depending on energy bars? "The benefit of energy bars is that they’re convenient, so if you make other healthier choices just as convenient you won’t be as tempted to reach for the energy bar. So start stocking up on healthier snacks, and keep them in convenient locations—your office fridge, desk drawer, your car, or your gym bag," Golub advises. Minimally processed whole foods (think fruits, nuts, and whole grains) are always a healthier option than an energy bar, and a half of a turkey sandwich, carrots and hummus, or a banana with peanut butter are better sources of fuel no matter how active you are, she says. Fake sugar How easy it is to become a slave to the pink and the blue (and the yellow and the white). But even if you're careful not to put too many packets in coffee or tea, many people are still consuming large quantities of artificial sweetener that's stashed in products like chewing gum, canned goods, breads, ice cream, and soft drinks. "I typically advise no more than two artificially sweetened items per day," Bauer says, "and each packet of sweetener counts as one item." Bauer's tip to cut back on Equal, Splenda, and other sweeteners might seem radical to those who've had the habit for a long time, but she says it's effective. "If you feel like your sweet tooth is out of control, I recommend cutting all sugar—real and artificial—out of your diet for one week. It may sound really difficult, but many people who try this strategy tell me they feel so much better without artificial sweeteners in their diet. In fact, many decide to cut out artificial sweeteners permanently," Bauer reports. If you still need to cater to your cravings, Dulan says it's wiser to choose a natural sweetener like honey and stick to the rule that if you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't put it in your mouth. Coffee We know, we know. This is the one you really don't want to hear. Going completely caffeine-free can be a painful process, but depending too much on coffee for energy can also mean you're not getting nearly enough nutrient-rich foods in your body. All the good stuff you add to your coffee -- cream, sugar, gobs of caramel -- carry a lot of calories and can erase the work you've done at the gym in a few sips. The happy medium, Dulan says, is to drink no more than two cups of coffee per day. She suggests slowly reducing your intake by a single cup each week until you get to that healthier place. Hydrating with a few extra glasses of water a day will help get you over the hump. Forberg also notes that you can replace coffee with black tea made creamier with lowfat or nonfat milk, or green tea, which will naturally kick up your metabolism. "White" foods Although we often hear that we shouldn't be eating white foods, many of us aren't sure what this entails. White foods are refined carbohydrates that are highly processed and have likely been stripped of their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This diminishes the food's natural nutritional value, leaving behind starch and calories. White foods include white bread, white pasta, white rice, and other products made of white flour, as well as potatoes and sugar. "White foods typically raise blood sugar and insulin levels more than whole-grain products, so they do a number on your insides," Bauer adds. This puts consumers at a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. There's no need to stop eating crackers or squishy bread completely. Rather, simply swap white foods for whole-grain pastas, breads, and cereals. When you're ready, add quinoa, oats, and wild rice into your diet and soon you won't even miss the white food culprits.

The diet foods that really aren't

Roasting a turkey in a brown paper grocery bag creates a steamy environment that cooks the turkey quickly and produces extremely moist, flavourful meat. Bonus: No basting required. Ingredients 1 10-lb fresh turkey, giblets and neck removed, washed and patted dry 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus 3 tablespoons for gravy 1 plain brown grocery bag large enough to accommodate turkey 2 medium carrots, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 small onion, quartered 1 bay leaf 1 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 6 cloves garlic, smashed 12 sprigs fresh thyme 6 fresh sage leaves 1 lemon, peeled with a vegetable peeler (reserve peel) 3 tbsp all-purpose flour Instructions 1. Remove turkey from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking to ensure even roasting. 2. Place rack in lower third of oven and preheat to 325 F. 3. Melt 1/4 cup butter and apply to grocery bag using a pastry brush. It’s very important that bag is thoroughly greased and translucent as this will seal in steam. Place bag on its side on a rimmed baking sheet, with seams facing up. Place carrot, celery, onion and bay leaf inside bag and set aside. 4. Place 2 tablespoons butter inside cavity of turkey and rub remaining butter over skin. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Place 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 of thyme, sage and lemon peel inside cavity. Fold wing tips under turkey and tie legs closed. Place remaining herbs and garlic inside paper bag and set turkey on top, breast-side up. Double fold bag’s opening and staple or paper clip closed. Roast for 2 hours, undisturbed. Tip: Figure about 12 minutes per pound, up to 14 lb. 5. Remove from oven, open bag; be careful of steam inside bag. Turkey should read 170 F on an instant read thermometer. If needed, return to oven until this temperature is achieved. When finished, remove turkey from bag, place on platter and cover with foil. Let rest 20 minutes before carving. The turkey can also be returned to a baking sheet, before resting, and placed under a preheated broiler to darken skin, if desired. 6. While turkey rests, pour drippings from bag into a measuring cup, about 3 cups. Top up with water or chicken stock if necessary. Let drippings sit 5 minutes to allow fat to separate. Mash 2 cloves roasted garlic with a fork. Set aside. In a pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Blend in flour and stir until mixture is golden. Discard top layer of fat from measuring cup and pour remaining drippings into flour mixture, whisking constantly. Add reserved garlic and continue to whisk until gravy thickens. Pour through a fine mesh strainer and serve immediately. Nutrition Info Per serving (1/8 recipe): about 620 calories, 38 g fat, 62 g protein, 6 g carbs, 1g fibre, 532 mg sodium. Excellent source of iron.

Trick to an 'extremely' moist, quick turkey