TIPS/ LET'S TALK TURKEY
by Joan Ricketts Locke
Turkey...Thanksgiving or anytime of the year!
Ever wonder how big a turkey to buy?
Most all cooks will agree that 1 1/2 lb. of turkey per adult is a generous serving. This will usually allow for leftovers too!
Is it done yet? The following times are for a turkey cooked in a roasting pan at 325°F. Check for doneness 30 minutes before expected turkey time. Turkey is fully cooked when an internal temperature of 180°F is reached by inserting thermometer in thigh, 170°F in breast and 160°F in center of the stuffing.
Net weight unstuffed stuffed
10 to 18 lbs 3 to 3 1/2 hr 3 1/4 to 4 1/2 hr
18 to 22 lbs 3 1/2 to 4 hr 4 1/2 to 5 hr
22 to 24 lbs 4 to 4 1/2 hr 5 to 5 1/2 hr
If using a baking bag, follow directions on the box. Turkeys cooked in the bag are very moist and cooking time is less than the roasting pan method.
Let turkey stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
This will allow the turkey to "rest" the meat will absorb the juice...we don't want a dry turkey!
Our carver, Bud, says the turkey slices much better after sitting for a bit.
This will allow the turkey to "rest" the meat will absorb the juice...we don't want a dry turkey!
Our carver, Bud, says the turkey slices much better after sitting for a bit.
Remember to wash preparation utensils, work surfaces and hands in hot soapy water to assure a clean, sanitized cooking environment.
Photo: Joan, Wayne, Angela and Andrew's turkeys raised in Bealeton, Virginia, 1989. A memorable experience right from the beginning. Our turkeys began their stay in a box under a heat lamp in my dining room. As soon as Wayne finished the turkey pen, we were more than happy to move our smelly little friends...outside. My children had the daily chore of feeding the turkeys and my son, lil' stinker at the age of four, locked his sister in the pen with the full grown turkeys...not a good memory for her! Slaughter time was original for us and our friends, Susan and Keith. While the girls were screaming from the back yard, we attempted to "do the duty" of stretching the neck and...well you can guess the rest. Raising turkeys was an experience we'll not forget.
There is no comparison to the taste of a fresh turkey vs. a frozen turkey. Though I don't always cook a fresh turkey...it is definitely the better choice!
There is no comparison to the taste of a fresh turkey vs. a frozen turkey. Though I don't always cook a fresh turkey...it is definitely the better choice!