turkey experts
Butterball® Turkey Talker Marty Van Ness has been talking turkey for more than seventeen years. Marty graduated from Rosary College/Dominican University in Illinois with a degree in home economics. Interviews of note include The Today Show, WLS-TV Chicago (ABC), and WMAQ-TV Chicago (NBC).
Favorite Thing About Turkey Talking:
“The thing that keeps me coming back each year is the opportunity to share this all-American holiday with so many wonderful callers. We answer their questions and instill confidence to help them make Thanksgiving memorable and delicious.”
Most Memorable Call:
Speaking very softly, an Ohio woman called the Turkey Talk-Line® for advice on preparing a frozen Butterball turkey breast. When Marty asked the woman to speak up, the woman confessed she was hiding from her husband, who was sorely disappointed that she bought a breast instead of a whole turkey. Apparently, he was concerned the breast meat would be dry and was looking forward to enjoying leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner. Marty recommended she cook the breast at 325 degrees to an internal temperature of 170 degrees to ensure tender, juicy meat. Marty also suggested she purchase an additional breast for her husband’s leftovers. The woman called back days later to say that the tips and the turkey breast were a big hit with her husband after all!
Favorite Holiday Recipe:
Please Note: To schedule an interview with Marty Van Ness, please see our Media Contacts.