Turkey Battle Plan
Thawing
There are three ways to thaw a frozen, unstuffed turkey. An evenly thawed turkey may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before roasting. Do not refreeze an uncooked turkey after it has been thawed.
Refrigerator Method--The best, although slowest, way of thawing. Place bird on a tray in original wrapping and place in the refrigerator until thawed. When partially thawed, remove the bag of giblets from the body cavity and reserve in the refrigerator for making gravy or stuffing.
Turkey Weight
Approximate Thawing Time
4 to 12 pounds:1 to 2 days
12 to 20 pounds:2 to 3 days
20 to 24 pound: 3 to 4 days
Quick-Thaw Method--Leave the turkey in original wrap, place in a large kettle and cover with cold water. Change water frequently to speed thawing. Thaw until the bird is pliable.
Turkey Weight
Approximate Thawing Time
4 to 12 pounds:4 to 6 hours
12 to 20 pounds:6 to 8 hours
20 to 24 pounds:8 to 12 hours
Microwave Method--If the microwave is large enough to accommodate a turkey, thaw in a glass baking dish, following manufacturer’s directions. It may take 1 to 1 1/2 hours on defrost cycle.
Preparing for Oven
Be sure the giblet bag is removed. Rinse the turkey and pat dry. Check both cavities for extra parts. Here are methods for preparing stuffed and unstuffed turkeys.
Stuffed--Save time by measuring, preparing and refrigerating stuffing ingredients the night before cooking, but wait to assemble and stuff the turkey until just before placing in the oven. Never stuff a turkey ahead of time, since the bird’s cavity remains warm long enough for bacteria that cause food poisoning to multiply.
Stuffing should be loosely packed into the neck and body cavities. Do not overstuff--stuffing expands as it cooks. After stuffing, skewer the neck skin to the back to hold stuffing in place. Tuck drumsticks back into a clamp or skin band, or tie with kitchen twine, and twist the wings akimbo.
Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey. If recipe makes more stuffing than bird will hold, wrap remaining mixture in foil and bake alongside bird during last half hour of roasting.