Thanksgiving is a festive holiday for family and friends to gather and give thanks for all their blessings… and of course enjoying the, oh, so delicious food. Turkey is traditionally the star of the show, doubling as a gorgeous centerpiece for the dining room table or buffet. That means that if you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, it’s not too early to start thinking about your menu. Here are some tried and true tips for picking the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving.
Fresh or Frozen?
Timing is everything when preparing your turkey. Keep in mind that a frozen bird will take additional time to thaw than its fresh counterpart. You can either thaw a frozen turkey in the fridge or your kitchen sink. To thaw it in the refrigerator, It will usually take 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey. Place the fully wrapped frozen turkey on a baking dish in the refrigerator until thawed. To thaw it in the sink, fill your kitchen sink with enough cold water to cover the wrapped bird. Set a heavy plate on top of the turkey to keep it underwater. Drain the water and add new water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. It will take about two to three hours for every five pounds.
What Size Do I Need?
This is always the million-dollar question. Plan for at least one pound of turkey per person. If you and your crew love leftovers and send goodie bags home with your guests, you may want to get a bigger bird and carryout containers. If you have a smaller gathering a turkey breast may be perfect.
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