Apply now to Thanksgiving cooking boot camp

Have you flubbed Thanksgiving dinner more times than you'd like to remember? If so, it’s time to apply for Wishbone U., the St. Petersburg Times' fifth annual Thanksgiving cooking boot camp for people who, well, haven’t had much luck preparing the big feast.

This year’s class is going back to basics, with a lesson on how to roast a turkey taking center stage. The instruction will include how the heck to know when the big bird is done and the final word on basting. (Yes!) In addition, students will master the art of making gravy, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

To gain admittance, you’ll have to plead your case by sending a brief note about why you need help. We’re suckers for a sad sack story, especially when it involves disapproving mothers-in-law and dry turkey. Tell us about your holiday cooking disasters and how we can help turn you around.

The 12 most desperate students will be selected to attend an afternoon hands-on class Oct. 25 at  Apron’s Cooking School at Publix Supermarket in the Shoppes of Citrus Park in Tampa. Apron’s resident chef Rich Norris will share his expertise and recipes. (The photo above is from the 2007 class.)

E-mail your entry, including your name, age, city of residence and daytime phone number, to features@sptimes.com. Put THANKSGIVING in the subject line.

Deadline is Oct. 15 and winners will be notified by Oct. 16. Nominations of bad cooks by concerned family and friends are encouraged, but they cannot be submitted anonymously.

Participants must be willing to be photographed during the class, because it’s not just their skills we want to improve. The experience — and recipes — will be shared in Taste on Nov. 18.

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Comments

[Levinson and Axelrod]

Haha, I've always got a cluttered fridge before and after Thanksgiving. I should probably take some of your advice and make use of what I've got before Turkey Day.