While Thanksgiving might be considered America’s most traditional meal, Butterball is taking the holiday to the next level and upgrading Thanksgiving 2008.

This year, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line goes “on demand” and on the go with holiday text messages, interactive online Web chats and a revamped Butterball.com—launching just in time for your Thanksgiving preparation.  And like always, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line experts are now answering questions live at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372).

“Over the years we’ve helped families celebrate Thanksgiving by answering questions via e-mail, offering bi-lingual assistance and the TurkeyTalk podcast,” Mary Clingman, director of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, says. “Now you’ll be able to get turkey tips, reminders and alerts from us sent straight to your mobile phone.”

No matter how you get your turkey advice — texts, online, Web chats or 1-800-BUTTERBALL — it starts with the basics. Remember to incorporate turkey tips like thawing your turkey in advance, cooking with an open shallow pan, or refrigerating leftovers within two hours of being carved.

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Contact Laurin Stamm at lstamm@vicksburgpost.com.

Turkey tips and holiday help no matter where you are

Check out the new ways to get answers to all your turkey questions this holiday season:

* Turkey Texts – Text the word “TURKEY” to the number 36888 from your mobile phone to opt-in and have tips at your fingertips. Weekly messages from the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line include how much turkey to buy, thawing reminders and turkey cooking times. Messages will be distributed until Dec. 31.*

* Log On – This fall, Butterball.com features a new look and feel with easy-to-find how-to videos, new recipes and cooking calculators. Perfect for holiday first-timers or even experienced chefs looking for a refresher. The site will also be formatted for viewing on mobile devices.

* Chat it Up – Virtually “talk turkey” with the experts and have questions answered during Web chats on Butterball.com November 25.

* Standard text messaging rates apply; may not be available on all wireless carriers. Maximum three text messages sent per week on average until Dec. 31.