Mara's Homemade, Syosset: Turkey takeout

If the idea of deep-frying a turkey seems at once tempting and daunting, consider bringing in one from Mara's Homemade in Syosset. Owner Mara Levi first infuses the bird with Cajun spices before cooking it in an infrared fryer — without any oil or fat. ($100 for a turkey that's about 14 pounds raw).

And that’s just one of the Thanksgiving takeout options Mara’s Homemade has come up with. Levi will also be making turducken — a boned chicken inside a boned duck inside a boned turkey, the layers separated by pork cornbread stuffing, the end product in the shape of a turkey ($180 cooked; $110 uncooked, 15 pounds).

She'll also be making jalapeño cornbread ($25). And oyster dressing ($15 a pound). And lots more. For dessert, there's bluegrass (pecan, chocolate, Bourbon) pie ($35) or the more traditional choices, like pumpkin ($20) and chocolate cream ($35). For the entire menu, click here.

Heating instructions will be provided with everything. Orders must be placed a week before Thanksgiving — the earlier, the better. The restaurant will be open Wednesday before Thanksgiving (when it will close).

Mara's Homemade is at 236 W. Jericho Tpke., in the Muttontown Plaza shopping center, Syosset; 516-682-9200.

Above, Chef-owner Mara Levi chats with diners at her restaurant, Mara's Homemade in Syosset