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Turkey 101

Tips for Roasting a Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

By Donna Smith

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The safest way to prepare stuffing is to bake it separately in a greased, covered casserole dish during the last hour while the turkey roasts. If you do decide to stuff the turkey, these simple tips will ensure a safe, delicious dish:

  • Stuff the turkey just before roasting.
  • Stuff the body and neck cavity loosely.
  • Allow about 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound of turkey. Bake extra stuffing separately.
  • Cook stuffing to 165 degrees F.
I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. How do I know how big of a turkey to buy? What is the general rule of turkey per person?

Plan on buying about 3/4 to 1 pound of turkey per person. If you like more leftovers, plan on 1 1/2 pounds per person. Follow the guidelines below:

  • Whole Turkey: 3/4 to 1 pound per person
  • Bone-In Turkey Breast: 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person
  • Boneless Turkey Breast: 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person

Fresh vs. Frozen Turkey

Selecting a fresh or frozen turkey is your choice:

  • Fresh turkeys need no thawing and are ready to cook.
  • Frozen turkeys can be purchased weeks in advance, but require days of thawing time before roasting.
The last time I cooked a turkey, the skin did not turn that golden brown like my mother's used to. What did I do wrong?

Your mother may have rubbed a marinade, butter or oil on the skin, which results in a golden brown color. Using a roasting pan with sides 2 to 2 1/2 inches deep will help ensure even cooking.

What do you feel is the biggest mistake most cooks make when roasting a turkey?

The biggest mistake most cooks make when preparing a turkey is not planning ahead. They either forget to thaw the turkey or don't allw enough time for thawing (plan for about four hours per pound).


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