Quick Turkey Tips

If you have a frozen turkey and it’s still in the freezer, TURN YOUR CAR AROUND and pull it out of the freezer NOW!!!! And call in sick on your way back home. You have some serious work to do, but I’m here to help you out of your personal pickle with my Quick Turkey Tips.

Quick Defrost Option 1
You may thaw the bird in COLD water, in the original wrapping. The cold water must be changed every 30 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound using this method.
Cold Water Turkey Thawing Time
Turkey Weight / Hours to Allow for Thawing Turkey
8 to 12 pounds / 4 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pounds / 6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pounds / 8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pounds / 10 to 12 hours
What a lovely way to spend your day (and night). Enjoy this a lot if you choose this option. Wear comfortable shoes, K?!

Quick Defrost Option 2
If you’re totally crunched for time, you can, if you’re brave, put the turkey in the microwave to defrost – if it fits. Just PLEASE follow the package instructions or your bird will take to the air until it hits the 6 walls of your microwave.

For the love of Pete, DO NOT …
Leave a turkey on the counter overnight to defrost. In the time it takes the center to defrost, the surface of the turkey could become warm enough for salmonella to set in. Plus, it gives Fido/Fifi the opportunity for a very large and gross snack. [Insert horror film music here] You know I'm serious about this - I had a bad case of colitis this year (while it wasn't from turkey sitting out, I would HATE for anyone to get colitis for any reason, but especially from turkey).
What size turkey do I need to buy? Purchase at least one pound of uncooked turkey per person when purchasing a whole turkey. You'll have enough for the feast and for leftovers, too.
Frugal Tip: Food stores may run specials on whole turkeys during some holiday periods. Take advantage of this and purchase 2 birds and storing one in the freezer for the next holiday event.
What's the Fastest Way to Cook Turkey? Use an oven bag (I love these things!!!!) and roast a 24-pound turkey in about 3-1/2 hours. IMPORTANT: Spray the sides of the oven bag with Pam to keep it from sticking AND brush vegetable oil on the skin of the turkey so it will turn golden brown.
Do not cook turkey all night at a low oven temperature. Cooking at low oven temperatures increases the risk of insuring a terrible 24 hours following your meal (salmonella + lots of time with the Porcelain God).
Can I Roast Turkey Ahead of Time and Reheat It Whole? Not so much, unless you want a turkey the texture of cardboard. Nice try, though. If you insist on doing this, slice the roasted turkey and place it in a foil-lined pan. Spoon chicken broth over the turkey to re-moisten it.
Can I Stuff the Turkey the Day Before? Combine only the dry ingredients the day before. If you don't have a large enough bowl, use a handy-dandy oven bag (I’m overly fond of them, you know!) to combine dry ingredients. When ready to stuff the turkey, add remaining stuffing ingredients to the oven bag and toss to mix. To bake, transfer stuffing to the cavity of the turkey or to a foil-lined pan.
Speaking of Stuffing It:Stuffing should be prepared and stuffed into the turkey immediately before it's placed in the oven for cooking.
Stuff the turkey loosely, about 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey. Do NOT overstuff the turkey – remember, it expands while cooking – and if it doesn’t cook thoroughly, it will be a Thanksgiving to forget.
Remove the stuffing from the turkey before the turkey is carved.
Other Preparation Pointers
· Juices from the turkey will baste the meat as it cooks. For added moisture, pour 1/2 cup water in the bottom of the pan and brush the turkey with oil or unsalted butter and seasonings/herbs.
· Place an aluminum foil tent over the breast during the first 1 to 1-1/2 hours of cooking, then remove the foil to allow for browning.
· For easier carving, allow the turkey to stand 20 minutes once removed from the oven.
How Long Can Cooked Turkey Be Left At Room Temperature For Snacking? After cooking, remove stuffing immediately and slice turkey. Refrigerate leftovers. Never leave roasted turkey, stuffing or gravy at room temperature for more than 2 hours.