Education
Thanksgiving Recipes and Menu, How to Cook a Turkey
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and feasting. Here’s a simple menu and a guide to cooking the perfect turkey:
Thanksgiving Menu:
- Roast Turkey
- Stuffing
- Mashed Potatoes
- Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Casserole
- Pumpkin Pie
How to Cook a Turkey:
- Thaw the turkey: Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the turkey:
- Remove giblets
- Rinse and pat dry
- Season inside and out with salt and pepper
- Stuff if desired (or place aromatics like onions and herbs in the cavity)
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Brush with melted butter and cover loosely with foil.
- Cooking time:
- Allow about 15-20 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey
- 12-15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey
- Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices.
- Remove foil for the last hour to brown the skin.
- Turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Remember, cooking times may vary. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is fully cooked.