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Turkey
Tips!
Cooking a turkey isn't as hard as it seems. After you've done it just
one time you'll feel like an expert. These tips on how to cook a turkey
will help you do it like a pro the first time!

Turkey
Tips!
What size turkey should you
buy? Experts suggest 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person.
How much stuffing will you
need if you want to stuff a turkey? You'll
need 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup per pound of turkey. Don't overstuff the cavity
with the stuffing as it needs to expand as it cooks. If you have extra
stuffing cook it on the side in a baking dish.
How can you be assured of a
beautiful browned and flavorful turkey? You'll need butter. Add some light
olive oil to some very softened butter. Add to that salt, pepper, sage
and just a bit of rosemary. Mix together well and slather it all over
the turkey before you put it in the oven.
Baste the turkey every half
hour while it's in the oven. Keep the turkey covered with aluminum foil
for 2/3 of the cooking time.
Temperature is important in determining if turkey is properly cooked.
The thigh temperature should be 175 degrees and the stuffing 160-165 degrees.
Make sure the thermometer you're using is not touching bone when you take
the reading. If it's a degree or two under that's OK. As the turkey rests
tented with aluminum it will rise a degree or two.
When you remove the turkey
from the oven tent it with aluminum foil. Let the turkey rest between
20 and 30 minutes before carving.
Timetables for
Turkey Roasting - courtesy of USDA.gov
(325 °F oven temperature)
Use the timetables below to determine how long to cook your turkey. These
times are approximate. Always use a food thermometer to check the internal
temperature of your turkey and stuffing.
| Unstuffed
|
| 4 to 8 pounds
(breast) |
1½ to 3¼
hours |
| 8 to 12 pounds |
2¾ to 3 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds |
3 to 3¾ hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds |
3¾ to 4¼
hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds |
4¼ to 4½
hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds |
4½ to 5 hours |
| Stuffed
|
| 4 to 6 pounds
(breast) |
Not usually applicable |
| 6 to 8 pounds
(breast) |
2½ to 3½
hours |
| 8 to 12 pounds |
3 to 3½ hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds |
3½ to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds |
4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds |
4¼ to 4¾
hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds |
4¾ to 5¼
hours |
Our
Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Bourbon
Cranberry Sauce
Campbell's Green
Bean Casserole
Fresh
Cranberry Orange Compote
Homemade Turkey Broth
Madeira Gravy
Pearl Onions au Gratin
Sage, Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Tips on Cooking a Turkey
Try
Some of our Tasty & Easy Green Bean Recipes
Blanched Green Beans
Fried Green Beans
Green Beans a'la Waterman's
Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine (with a hint of lemon)
Green Beans Almondine (with an Asian flair)
Green Beans Almondine (with mushrooms)
Green Bean Casserole (Campbell's)
Green Bean Casserole (Cook's Illustrated)
Green Beans in Sour Cream & Tomato Sauce
Green Bean Salad
Green Bean Salad, Provencal
Green Beans with Ginger Butter
Green Beans with Shallots
Greek Green Beans
Greek Potatoes and Green Beans
Italian Green Beans (St. Anna Beans)
Oven Roasted Green Beans
Pears with Green Beans & Bacon
Sesame & Portobello Green Beans
Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork & Chilies
Sweet & Sour Green Beans
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