Thanksgiving Turkey Tips

There is no arguing with the fact that the turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table. Over eighty five per cent of Americans have turkey on their table at Thanksgiving and its popularity shows no signs of dimming. If you are looking forward to making your Thanksgiving turkey spectacular this holiday season, or maybe you are cooking your first Thanksgiving turkey, here are some Thanksgiving turkey tips-

· Marinade first!-Marinades are seasoned liquids in which the turkey is soaked both to absorb flavor and to tenderize the meat. Most marinades will contain an acid such as vinegar, citrus juice, wine and herbs or spices. One of the simplest ways to marinate a turkey is by using a needle-like injector. Injectors can be purchased at kitchen supply stores and usually range in price from ten to fifteen dollars. To marinate a turkey without an injector you can simply use a fork to make random holes over the entire bird. Place the turkey in a large plastic garbage bag; pour in the marinade; close the bag securely, and let it marinade overnight. It is crucial that turkey should always be marinated in the refrigerator. Before cooking, be sure to scrape off the excess marinade and discard. Under no circumstances should you re-use marinade to baste the turkey.

· Roasting the turkey-This is the most traditional way to cook a turkey and still the most popular. It is important to roast until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF to 170ºF in the breast and 175ºF to 180ºF in the thigh. Cooking times are for planning purposes only; you should always use a food thermometer to determine the correct stage of doneness. You can check online for the exact time needed to roast your turkey based on its weight and whether you have stuffed it or left it unstuffed.