AQUIFERFood Program
Countdown to the Holiday
As Thanksgiving approaches, cooking the traditional turkey dinner gives rise to anxieties and questions. What kind of turkey should I buy? Should I buy a frozen turkey or a fresh one? How do I store my turkey?
A few simple steps will not only ease your holiday fears but will ensure a delicious and a safe meal for you, your family and your friends. The following information may help you prepare your special Thanksgiving meal and help you count down to the holiday.
Plan Ahead
Plan your menu several weeks before the holiday. Shopping early will ease the countdown tension for your Thanksgiving meal. Ask these questions to help plan your meal. Do you want a fresh or frozen turkey? Do you have enough space to store a frozen bird if purchased in advance? If not, when should you purchase a turkey? What size bird do you need to buy?
Fresh or Frozen
There is no appreciable difference between a fresh or frozen bird. It is just a personal preference.
When to Purchase
If you choose to buy a frozen bird you may do so at any time, but make certain you have adequate storage space in your freezer. If you buy a fresh turkey, be certain you purchase it only 1-2 days before cooking.
Do not buy a pre-stuffed fresh turkey.
What Size turkey To Purchase
Use the following chart as a helpful guide:
Whole bird |
1 pound per person |
Boneless breast of turkey |
1/2 pound per person |
Breast of turkey |
3/4 pound per person |
Thawing
In refrigerator - Place frozen bird in original wrapper in the refrigerator (40 degrees). Allow approximately 24 hours per five pounds of turkey. After thawing, keep turkey refrigerated for only 1-2 days or use this chart to help you count down to the holiday.
Size of Turkey |
Thawing Time |
8 to 12 pounds |
1 to 2 days |
12 to 16 pounds |
2 to 3 days |
16 to 20 pounds |
3 to 4 days |
20 to 24 pounds |
4 to 5 days |
In cold water - If you forget to thaw the turkey or don't have room in the refrigerator for thawing, don't panic. You can submerge the turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes defrosting time per pound of turkey. The following times are suggested for thawing a turkey in water:
Size of Turkey
|
Hours to Defrost |
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 |
In the microwave - Microwave thawing is safe if the turkey is not too large. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the size turkey that will fit into your oven, the minutes per pound and the power level to use for thawing. Cook immediately after thawing.
Preparation
The day before Thanksgiving - Make certain you have all the ingredients you need to prepare your holiday meal. Check to make sure you have all the equipment you will need, including a roasting pan large enough to hold your turkey, and a meat thermometer. The turkey may be rinsed in cold water the night before and re-wrapped for roasting the next day if you wish. Wet and dry stuffing ingredients can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated separately. This may also be done on Thanksgiving Day. Mix ingredients just before placing the stuffing inside the turkey cavity or into a casserole dish.
Thanksgiving Day - If you choose to stuff your turkey, stuff loosely. The stuffing should be moist, not dry, since heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a moist environment. Place stuffed turkey in the oven immediately. You may also cook the stuffing outside the bird in a casserole.
Judging cooking time for your turkey will be easier if the following chart is used. The times listed are for a fresh or thawed turkey in an oven at 325 degrees fahrenheit. These times are approximate.
For directions for cooking turkeys and storing leftovers, click here: Turkey Directions