Does the idea of cooking a turkey stress you out? Take a deep breath. Today I’m sharing ten turkey tips to ease your anxiety and help you a cook a turkey like a seasoned pro.

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Video: Turkey Tips For Grownups

10 Turkey Tips To Cook Like A Pro

1. Plan Ahead: Time is your best friend. Create a timeline for defrosting (if frozen), prepping, cooking, and resting the turkey. Rushing leads to stress; a well-planned schedule ensures a smoother cooking experience.
2. Size Matters: Choose the right size turkey for your gathering. A general rule is about 1 pound (0.45 kg) per person for a generous serving. This prevents unnecessary leftovers or worse, not having enough to go around.
3. Thaw Safely: If your turkey is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 pounds (1.8-2.3 kg) of bird. That means that you should start thawing a frozen turkey on Monday if you want to cook it on Thursday. Rushing the thawing process with heat or water can lead to uneven cooking and food safety issues.
4. Season it Well: Whether you choose to use salt & pepper, poultry seasoning, or a more complicated mixture. make sure you season the entire turkey, inside and out. I like to rub the skin with a neutral oil (olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil all work well.)
5. Trussing and Tucking: Properly trussing (tying up) the legs and tucking the wings underneath the bird helps it cook evenly and prevents burnt extremities.
6. Double Check Your Oven Temperature & Use a Meat Thermometer: Don’t leave your turkey’s fate to chance. Invest in a reliable oven and a meat thermometer. Double check that your oven temperture is correct (mine runs about 50 degrees low – something I found out the hard way!) I always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. Don’t rely on the timing guidelines or the pop up thermometer.
7. Tent with Foil: To prevent the skin from burning, tent the turkey loosely with foil if it’s getting too brown during cooking. This helps maintain moisture and ensures a perfectly golden bird.
8. Rest Before Carving: Once your turkey reaches its desired temperature, resist the temptation to carve right away. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
9. Delegate and Enjoy: Hosting a gathering doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Enlist the help of friends or family for side dishes, setting the table, or even carving the turkey. It’s a celebration meant to be enjoyed together.
10. Embrace Imperfections: Finally, remember that perfection is overrated. Whether it’s a slightly uneven golden crust or not-so-perfectly carved slices, the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones outweighs any culinary mishaps.

Cooking a whole turkey can indeed be a daunting task, but with a bit of planning, some helpful tips, and a dash of confidence, you’ll soon conquer that bird like a seasoned maestro. Cheers to a delicious and stress-free feast!

Check Out My Other Cooking Tip Articles

• Cooking On An Indoor Fireplace
• Cooking With Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• How To Cook Like A Professional Chef
• What To Look For When Buying A High-Quality Steak
• Creating The Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

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