How do I cook my first Turkey?? Spices to use? how long do I cook at what temp? things like that.. Thank you..

Question

We have always been guests my wife and I but this year we are alone in a new place . We could order out but I want to give it a try.. Simple is good.. Thank you all..

Answer 1

Turkey 101...

A frozen turkey needs to be defrosted. The preferred method is to defrost it in the refrigerator. (Yes, the one filled with the rest of the holiday fare.) Allow one day per 5 pounds. A 15-pound turkey will require three days to defrost thoroughly. An alternate method is to defrost the bird in a cold water bath. Allow 30 minutes per pound. That 15-pound turkey will require only 7 1/2 hours to defrost using this approach. It is also possible to use a combination of these methods.

Now you are ready to prepare the turkey for roasting. First remove the giblets. This is a fundamental step not only because you might want to use them to make the gravy, but also because it is disconcerting to find these paper-wrapped lumps when carving. Next, rinse the bird inside and out. Pat dry with paper towels. If you are stuffing the bird, do so now with a freshly prepared dressing. Stuff loosely, allowing about 1/2 to 3/4 cup per pound of bird. Brush the skin with melted butter or oil. Tuck the drumsticks under the folds of skin or tie together with string. Lastly, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The thermometer should point towards the body, and should not touch the bone.


Place the bird on a rack in a roasting pan, and into a preheated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven. Use the following chart to estimate the time required for baking.



Bake until the skin is a light golden color, and then cover loosely with a foil tent. During the last 45 minutes of baking, remove the foil tent to brown the skin. Basting is not necessary, but will promote even browning.


Weight of Bird Roasting Time (Unstuffed) Roasting Time (Stuffed)
10-18lbs
3-3.5 hrs. 3.75-4.5 hrs.
15-22lbs 3.5-4 hrs.
4.5-5 hrs.

22-24lbs 4-4.5 hrs. 5-5.5 hrs.
24-29lbs 4.5-5 hrs. 5.5-6.25 hrs.




The best test for doneness is the temperature of the meat, not the color of the skin. The turkey is done when the thigh meat reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees F, and when the breast meat reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. If your turkey has been stuffed, it is important to check the temperature of the dressing. The stuffing should be 165 degrees F. When the turkey is done, remove from the oven and allow to stand for 30 minutes.

Answer 2

I use to be scared of the trials of cooking a turkey for the longest time... but I know think of it this way... it's a bigger chicken. I've only been cooking turkey for a few years now, and been picking up tips ever since. One, get the gizzards out... and the stuff they put in the 'butt' of the bird. 1 hour of cooking per 4lbs of bird. (unstuffed) Add about 1/2 to one hour of cooking if stuffed. at 325*. And I now like to cook it in a turkey bag.. keeps the bird from drying out so much... OR cook it in an oval pot that has a lid. (that black speckled kind). I heard recently that for the first hour.. cook it on it's breast on a v-shaped rack... then flip it back over for the rest of the time so the breasts stay moist. Just keep telling yourself that it's a big roast chicken and you'll be fine.

Answer 3

Visit this site.......Martha Stewart Thanksgiving
www.marthastewart.com. Here you will find everything from Turkey 101, plus menu planning, recipes and decorating. All the how to's from start to finish.
Happy Thanksgiving

Answer 4

Go to www.butterball.com for the best information. Just follow their directions and you will have a delicious turkey. Use a fresh turkey, not a frozen one.

Do NOT follow the above directions to wrap the turkey in foil. It will taste steamed, not roasted and crisp.

Answer 5

Slather it in butter, wrap it in bacon and seal it in aluminum foil. Makes for a very tasty and moist turkey. I prefer deep fried with the special liquid seasoning injection but thats a bit complicated for your first turkey.

Answer 6

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/thanksgiving_meal_ms/

This site has a number of "best" Thanksgiving recipes. I figure it is better, because you know what you like more than I do. It has the traditional bird, an herb bird, pies, sweet potatoes, everything. Take a look and see if anything sounds delicious then go for it.