Turkey: Buying, Handling & Thawing
- When buying a turkey, allow 1 pound per adult serving if the bird weighs 12 pounds or less.
- For turkeys over 12 pounds, count on 3/4 pound for each serving.
- For boneless turkey breast, figure 1/2 pound per person.
- If you want leftovers, buy a bird that's 2 to 4 pounds larger than the size you'll need for serving.
- Also check for the "sell by" date on the label of a fresh turkey. This date is the last day the turkey should be sold by the retailer.
- The unopened turkey should maintain its quality and be safe to use for one or two days after the "sell by" date.
- If you buy a frozen turkey, look for packaging that is clean, undamaged, and frost-free.
- Although not all turkeys are labeled indicating whether the bird is a hen or tom, select a hen turkey if you want more white meat and a tom if you want more dark meat.
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Safe Handling
I don't thaw my turkeys anymore - just unwrap them, rub with seasoning and oil, and put them in the oven (20 lb. turkey, 8 hours). They are moist, full of flavor, and perfectly cooked all the way through--and it couldn't be easier.
11/23/2010 04:42:08 PM Report AbuseIf someone hasn't responded to the frozen turkey problem - you can thaw it in a big container in cold water. Keep changing the water every 30 minutes and it should thaw in 9-11 hours. Don't just hope it thaws in the refrigerator - it may not.
11/22/2010 01:38:40 PM Report Abusei was specifically wondering about the thawing process, i put my frozen turkey in the refrig. 2 days ago and it is still hard as a rock...should i get out the peanut buttter and jelly?
11/22/2010 01:05:02 PM Report AbuseCOOK TURKEY BREAST SIDE DOWN WITH THERMOMETER IN CENTER OF STUFFING. WHITE MEAT WILL ALWAYS BE JUICY.
11/20/2010 09:35:40 PM Report Abusei need to know how long to cook a turkey,so it won't be dry,my turkey's always dry...
11/9/2010 11:25:43 AM Report Abuse