THANKSGIVING

[metalmama406]

Ok I can cook just about anything and I'm always experiment while cooking.  This year im thinking of cooking here at home. I need some pointers on making the turkey. There is nothing I hate more than dry turkey... Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED.....

[mommamiaria]

The first time I made a turkey I left the plastic bag inside with the neck and liver when I cooked it. We still ate it though. :o)

Here are some helpful websites:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2714_roast-turkey.html

http://www.publix.com/holiday/turkeycarving/PreparingAndRoasting.do

http://www.pickyourownchristmastree.org/howtocookturkey.php

http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--644/roasting-a-turkey-turkey-cooking-times.asp

When I buy my turkey I usually follow the instructions on the turkey. I defrost it in the refrigerator several days before to make sure it is defrosted and ready. I take out the turkey and remove the bag inside and rinse the turkey off. I coat the skin with butter all over and underneath and sprinkle with seasonings. They actually sell turkey seasoning packets at the grocery store. I place the turkey in a deep aluminum foil roasting pan in the middle rack of the oven. I bake the turkey according to the instructions. It will tell you the degrees and how long to cook depending upon the weight of the turkey. Make sure you put the turkey in the oven in enough time to have ready for dinner. If the skin gets too brown, cover loosely with aluminum foil. You might want to buy a pop up thermometer to be sure the turkey is cooked properly. I let it sit a little bit before cutting. My mom bought me an electric knife many years ago that I still use. Hope this helps.

[metalmama406]

THANK YOU

[momma2-3boys]

I have been cooking turkeys for years and have also watched my dad cook the turkey before I started cooking.

The 2 ways I recommend is either deep frying or brining the turkey over night then baking. 

If you want recipes let me know. I prefer brining my turkey (I have done this 3 years in a row and there is never any turkey left).

[mommamiaria]

Quoting metalmama406:

THANK YOU

You are welcome. Here is another website to check out:

http://elise.com/recipes/archives/000037moms_roast_turkey.php

[momma2-3boys]

Oh an here is an excellent site that will help you to determine what size turkey you will need with how many people you are serving.  It will let you know when to start thawing turkey out, if frozen, on how big it is.  How long to cook your turkey as well.  Along with other stuff you need to know. 

http://www.butterball.com/tips-how-tos/tips/calculators-and-conversions

[metalmama406]

THANKS AND YEAH ANY RECIPES YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SHARE WOULD BE AWESOME. IM GONNA TRY THE BRINING.

Quoting momma2-3boys:

I have been cooking turkeys for years and have also watched my dad cook the turkey before I started cooking.

The 2 ways I recommend is either deep frying or brining the turkey over night then baking. 

If you want recipes let me know. I prefer brining my turkey (I have done this 3 years in a row and there is never any turkey left).

[momma2-3boys]

Quoting metalmama406:

THANKS AND YEAH ANY RECIPES YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SHARE WOULD BE AWESOME. IM GONNA TRY THE BRINING.

Quoting momma2-3boys:

I have been cooking turkeys for years and have also watched my dad cook the turkey before I started cooking.

The 2 ways I recommend is either deep frying or brining the turkey over night then baking. 

If you want recipes let me know. I prefer brining my turkey (I have done this 3 years in a row and there is never any turkey left).

Sure!  This year I am trying a different brine it is called Apple Spice Brine and has rave reviews!

Here is a great article on how to cook your turkey as a brined turkey tend to cook faster.  (I do not use the recipe in this article just the cooking directions)

Also if you have food network tv look at tonight's line up.  My food network tv has Dear Food Network show on at 9 pm and I watched it last night.  Alton Brown brines a turkey and shows you the how to's and EVERYTHING you need to know.  Even after brining my turkeys for years I got information out of the show! 

[jat82]

Last year was the first year I hosted Thanksgiving and also had this dilemma. Dry turkey is also my most hated thing to eat. I decided to Brine it as I am always up for a cooking challenge. I did a simple one.. mainly salt and water. it was AMAZING to say the least. not sure that even does it justice. Never in my whole life have I had a turkey so moist, juicy and flavorful... nor had the 15 people who were here!!! This year I'm trying a Brine with spices in it. I'm glad you chose this route and don't think you will be disappointed!! Last year I found a Styrofoam cooler fit well in the bottom shelf of my side by side fridge to hold the turkey. Didn't think of what to put it INTO until that night.. lol. OH and if you are rubbing the cavity with salt, be careful!! I am always afraid of salmonella... and cut my finger open on a bone inside the cavity as I wasn't looking inside (cause i was kind of grossed out! lol) Good Luck!! hope this helped

[metalmama406]

thanks Mamas..... Im debating between a citrus brine or just a simple brine (water salt herbs) LOL dessert is about the only thing I know for sure whats getting made.... Eclair cake, chocolate pudding pie, and bownies... yuuummmmm

[IceMistress105]

I'm trying the apple spice Brine that was posted. I can't wait.