As a kid, I hated Thanksgiving. I know... I'm alone with that thought! But really, I just hated turkey! I thought it was bland and usually dry (sorry mom) and I hated it!

photo credit to Flickr: tuchodi

As a adult... ohhh man I love Thanksgiving and turkey and everything else about the holiday! I love finding creative new ways to cook Thanksgiving turkeys and I thought I would share my favorite recipes, if you're looking to try something new with your bird...

Roast Turkey with Truffle Butter: just read the directions on this one... your mouth will water! If you love truffles, onions, and garlic, this is the turkey for you (sidenote: its a grown up turkey. Most kids think truffle butter tastes like dirt.)

Black Pepper Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Turkey: could they maybe have shortened the name? This is for more experienced chefs looking for a fancy challenge this year. Pomegranate Molasses + horseradish sounds amazing! But not for traditionalists.

Pomegranate Glaze Turkey: do you like the one above, but think it sounds too complex? This is a more beginner-friendly version! Maybe make this one, and next year try the one above after you've honed your skills a little.

North Carolina Style BBQ Turkey: this is just insane! Very southern, and great for leftovers the next day! Its got a simple recipe for a homemade BBQ sauce. Kid-friendly taste, with a recipe that should impress any mother-in-law.

Apple and Sage Turkey: a personal favorite of mine; to me, these flavors just scream "bring on the holidays, people!" I'll be using this recipe for my Christmas turkey.

Memphis Fried Turkey: awww, yeah! I couldn't make this list without a fried turkey recipe! Just do it in the back yard, away from the house, people! Seriously though... you cannot tell me this doesn't look crazy-good.

Also, here is a general guide from the Food Network on cooking a turkey. If you have an AMAZING turkey recipe, comment below and share it!