Are you always stumped when it comes to how much turkey to order for Thanksgiving? Well, a good rule of thumb is one pound per person. However, if your family is like mine we like to have plenty of leftovers. If you want leftovers as well, figure 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. That way you'll have enough to cover you through the weekend, depending on how you eat and even some to share with your guests if you like.
If you've never made a turkey before and are already stressing about the big day - DON'T!!! Making a turkey is the easiest thing in the world to prepare. You basically pop it in the oven and take it out hours later when the inner part of the thigh reaches 180(F)degrees, the breast reaches 165(F)degrees and the juices run clear when pierced.
I always stuff my turkey but many prefer to keep the stuffing on the side, which is perfectly fine. If you also stuff your turkey, make sure to put the stuffing in just before you place the turkey in the oven to avoid any bacteria to grow. You can even heat the stuffing up a bit which some say helps avoid bacteria growth. I've never had a problem stuffing mine though and I've been stuffing my turkey for years. Just be sure your oven has had plenty of time to preheat before setting the bird in the oven.
In addition, if you want to insure you have a moist turkey when it's done, add at least an inch of chicken broth or water in the bottom of the pan.
If you don't have a rack to place your turkey on, then cut up some carrots, celery and potatoes and place them in the bottom of your roasting pan. Then place the turkey on top. The vegetables will act as a rack and while the turkey is cooking it will flavor the veggies and cook them making for a nice platter of turkey and vegetables. In addition, the potatoes will help to thicken the gravy from the liquid that you originally added to the pan. Serve as is, or doctor the drippings for an even more flavorful gravy.
Don't forget to check out my perfect gravy everytime tip!
If you have any turkey questions feel free to email me at vkb2@hotmail.com, post a question on this blog, or go to the Butterball homepage where they offer a host of answers and videos for any question you may have regarding your turkey.
Butterball has a great site and even a 1-800 hotline for you to call on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you're roasting, grilling, frying or smoking your turkey, Butterball.com has the answers 24/7.
Stay tuned for my upcoming video on how to make Popovers. One of the dishes my family insists I make every Thanksgiving. These light and airy popovers are a cinch to make, beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. My video will be up sometime within the week.
Until then feel free to email me with any of your Thanksgiving Day questions.
