>> “Maybe it makes more health sense to use corn or soy oils for that big turkey frying project” <<
.
Corn and soy are some of the worst oils, along with safflower, and canola. The best deep frying oil remains lard. If it were not for the expense, the best choice would be frying at a lower temp and using virgin coconut oil, but it is expensive. It does leave a great flavor on the bird.
I would not recommend deep frying in any solid fat. It drips onto the plate, solidifies, and looks weird. I know, I tried it.
“If it were not for the expense, the best choice would be frying at a lower temp and using virgin coconut oil, but it is expensive”
Coconut oil has been recommended as a preventative and partial cure for Alzheimer’s. My wife and I have recently tried it, but it seems to cook differently. She says it’s hard to get it hot enough to fry catfish. It’s $5.95 at Wallyworld, and $5.48 at HEB for almost two pounds. It’s also a great (and cheap) body lotion.
http://www.coconutoil.com/AlzheimersDiseaseDrMaryNewport.pdf