Picking That Holiday Turkey

Christmas is coming and it's time to thing about buying that turkey and trust me I know if you like a good turkey like I do it can be a challenge, but this is what I do and I want to share this with you to make buying your turkey a little easier. When I buy a turkey I buy turkeys that have no antibiotics,no added growth hormones, and no animal by-product in the feed the turkey eat.

Now I really think that the best turkey you can buy is a fresh killed turkey but if you can't you can buy in other ways like frozen, organic, kosher, heritage but most people buy frozen turkeys but keep in mind that fresh turkeys cook a little faster than the others selections.

Thawing your turkey is just as important as cooking it and the safest way to thaw your turkey is to place a tray underneath the bird in its packaging place in your refrigerator and let the turkey defrost 1 day for every 5 to 6 pounds. There are faster ways to defrost your turkey, you can place you turkey in a leak proof container add cold water and place in the refrigerator, when thawing this way you should allow for 30 minutes per-pound I would also suggest changing the water every hour until your turkey is totally thawed.

When your turkey is de-frosted you can then season your turkey, some people like to season there food simple with just a little bit of salt and pepper with a little olive oil or butter on the skin then there are others ways like brining which is soaking the turkey in salt water for 6 to 24 hours when brining just make sure your container is very clean other methods of flavoring your turkey and they are using herbs, making a spice rub and even using a flavor injector

Roasting a turkey is also one of the most important ways when preparing your turkey, make sure you remove your turkey from the refrigerator about 1 hour before roasting make sure you flavor and season your turkey make sure to tuck your wings under the turkey place the turkey in a shallow pan then you can add white wine or chicken broth on the bottom of the pan pre-heat your oven by following the directions on your turkey and cook until you have a internal temperature of 165, when your turkey is done remove from your oven and let the turkey rest......I suggest you tented loosely with foil, for about 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat and makes for smooth carving.

When you roasting your turkey most people like to add dressing as a side dish I suggest that you make your dressing separately and not stuff it into your turkey if you must stuff your turkey here are a few tips for you to follow. stuffing your turkey will increase your cooking time check the temperature of the dressing it should be a 165 degrees before serving.

Cooking time varies when cooking different size turkeys so check the directions that comes with the turkey and allow time for the cooking process when your opening and closing the oven door .

Turkey tips

I suggest you use a meat thermometer to check the proper internal temperature of the turkey and Leftovers should never be left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

I hope this turkey facts help you out with preparing your holiday dinner and I want to wish everyone a Merry Chrstmas and a Happy New year...enjoy your day and Happy Eating.