Buzz

Forget grizzly bears and killer whales — for many of us, the most terrifying creature on earth is a cooked turkey, fresh from the oven and waiting to be carved. The ideal is a gorgeous golden bird, transformed through our handiwork into perfect slices of moist meat. But what actually happens on Thanksgiving Day can often feel more like a wrestling match with a chainsaw than a culinary triumph.

Anxious about carving, many home cooks have relied on electric knives, which promise to speed up and simplify the carving process. But do you really need to “go electric” to create the most professional-looking turkey slices? We talked to chefs for some expert advice.