Timely Tips for Terrific Turkey

Timely Tips for Terrific Turkey TOHonline

Aa you plan your holiday feast, keep in mind these helpful hints from our
test kitchen:

. When buying a bird, purchase 3/4 to 1 pound per person for whole turkeys
that weigh 6 to 12 pounds. For larger whole turkeys (over 12 pounds),
purchase 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person.

. The best way to thaw a frozen turkey is to place it breast side up in the
refrigerator in its unopened wrapper for 2 to 3 days.

. Be sure to remove neck and giblets from the body and neck cavities before
stuffing. Always stuff a turkey just before baking.

. An unstuffed turkey cooks more quickly than a stuffed one. If short on
time, bake stuffing separately.

. Roast turkey at a temperature of 325 degrees or higher, basting
occasionally to keep skin moist.

. If the dark meat has reached 180 degrees and the stuffing has not reached
165 degrees, scoop stuffing into a greased baking dish and continue to bake
while the turkey stands before carving.

. Tying or trussing a turkey keeps the stuffing in place and produces a more
rounded, beautiful result. Some turkeys come with the legs held together by
a metal clip, which serves the same purpose as trussing.

. Letting the turkey stand before carving allows the meat to firm up and the
slices to hold together better.

. Remove stuffing and carve the meat off the bones within 2 hours of
roasting. Leftover turkey stored in the refrigerator should be used within 3
days. Properly wrapped or placed in a freezer container, cooked turkey will
keep for 2 months in the freezer.