Tips for Preparing that Turkey

Are you preparing turkey for Thanksgiving for the first time?? Are you looking for a bit of help for Thanksgiving?? We all could use a bit of help now and again and I hope this helps you.

To serve 10 people you will need a 15 pound turkey. You will easily have enough turkey to serve your guest and have a little leftover for a day after Thanksgiving casserole. The same 15 lb turkey will hole 7 cups of stuffing.

If you have a 15 lb turkey you will want to store in fridge to thaw for an around 3 days. This is an average of 5 hours per pound. A cold water bath for 1 hour per pound will do nicely to thaw turkey as well, you will want to change your water a few times. Defrosting the Turkey is very important step in preparing the guest of honor the Turkey.

Once defrosted you are ready to prepare the turkey. You will first want to remove giblets and neck. Rinse turkey inside and out, then dry skin and cavity of turkey well. If you plan on stuffing the bird then fill neck and body with stuffing. Use a skewer to pin close.

***** Tip to dressing up boxed stuffing is to add in some chopped onions and garlic. Season and stuff turkey ******

Now put that bird in the roaster and rub with butter. Season with poultry seasoning or thyme , salt and pepper. If the lid of the roaster will work great just simply cover the turkey but if it does not work make an aluminum foil lid and place over turkey. Roast 325 degrees for 4 hours. Make sure to baste every hour or so.

Remove the lid or foil and continue roasting another hour or so til nice color. A meat thermometr in thigh should read 185 degrees. Let stand 15 minutes before you are ready to carve.

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