Roast Turkey Cooking Guidelines

These guidelines will help you decide how much turkey to buy for the amount of people you have. Also explains how to defrost a turkey, and how long to roast it.

Ingredients:

1 Turkey

Guidelines:

You will need about 1/2 lb. of turkey per serving. A 20 lb. turkey will take about 3 days to thaw in the refrigerator, or about 12 hours using the cold water thaw method:Make sure all surfaces, pots, bowls, etc. are thoroughly cleaned. Place turkey in a bowl or pan large enough to cover turkey with cold water. Empty and add fresh cold water every 30 minutes until thawed and remove giblets.Roast time:6-8 lbs. 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 hours8-12 lbs. 3 1/4 to 4 hours 12-16 lbs. 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours16-20 lbs. 4 to 6 hours 20-26 lbs. 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 hoursStuffing: Add 25 minutes cooking time for birds under 12 lbs.

Turkey Recipes

Cooking Tips:

Pumpkin substitute: At the last minute, you find that you thought you had pumpkin for a recipe, then you find out you don't. You might just have some sweet potatoes! Sweet potatoes are a good substitute for pumpkin, and pumpkin is a good substitute for sweet potatoes (in certain recipes).

Pie Crust: If you are having trouble with your crust browning too soon around the rim, place some tin foil around it prevent burning.

Frying Turkey: If you are frying a turkey, please use precautions, and the correct type of oil. Peanut oil is the best oil to use as it has a lower flash point, and doesn't catch on fire as easily as other oils. NEVER fry a turkey indoors!

Injecting a Turkey: There are several Cajun marinades (and others) that come with an injector to add more flavor. Personally, I like the marinades that Tony Chachere makes.

Roast Turkey Cooking Guidelines

Ingredients:

Guidelines:

Recipes: