Turkey? Thanksgiving?

M

MrsB

Pursuit Driver
Questions. We are thinking of having Thanksgiving at my house this year. It may not happen, as all of our family lives in TN, and it may be hard for them to make it.

But, before I commit to this... Is it hard to cook a turkey? How do you do it? Does it take a million years? Lol
 
I always cook a turkey, sometimes 2. Not hard at all. When I first started cooking one, I used the turkey bags. Perfect every time! And cooks quicker.
 
I have only cooked one in my life time and I cheated and bought the one that all you have to do is pop it in the oven and wait for the timer to pop up saying done. :laugh It was good though. Now I just buy one and have my mom cook it, cause she is the best cook I know!
 
RNG said:
I have only cooked one in my life time and I cheated and bought the one that all you have to do is pop it in the oven and wait for the timer to pop up saying done. :laugh It was good though. Now I just buy one and have my mom cook it, cause she is the best cook I know!
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That is cheating?
How else are going to know if something is done unless a timer pops out or the micowave goes ding?
 
Okay, awesome! If LisaC can, I know I can! :laugh

Next question: how to you decide what size bird to get? How much per person? Do I have to baste it?
 
MrsB said:
Okay, awesome! If LisaC can, I know I can! :laugh

Next question: how to you decide what size bird to get? How much per person? Do I have to baste it?
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If I remember correctly, Butterball has a website that is very helpful and user friendly.
I used it some 15 years ago when I cooked my turkey.
I think it was www.butterball.com
 
It is very easy. (Believe me, I have done it!)

Usually, when I host (which is this year, God help me!) I just buy a large breast. None of us do dark meat very well, and we have less waste. Although, I know with your thrifty ways, you'll find eight more things to do with the turkey, gravy, and bones after it's finished! :thumbsup
 
I'm Floored said:
It is very easy. (Believe me, I have done it!)

Usually, when I host (which is this year, God help me!) I just buy a large breast. None of us do dark meat very well, and we have less waste. Although, I know with your thrifty ways, you'll find eight more things to do with the turkey, gravy, and bones after it's finished! :thumbsup
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We chop up the dark meat and put it in the dressing. Same for the turkey "juices". Yummo!
 
MrsB said:
Okay, awesome! If LisaC can, I know I can! :laugh

Next question: how to you decide what size bird to get? How much per person? Do I have to baste it?
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That should always be your determining factor in figuring out if you can do something!!

Turkey Size - the bigger the family, the bigger the turkey - I usually stay within the 10-12 lb range and we have a ton of leftovers, but we also have ham so ... As for basting - it's a must to help keep the turkey moist IMO. I used the bag a couple of years ago and I don't recall having to baste when we used it - you rub the turkey down with butter and seasonings, add some flour to the bag, put the turkey in, vent the bag, close it and put it in the over.
 
Thanks y'all!

IF, I've already been searching for what to do with leftovers! LOL

I'm really excited! I have to talk to one more aunt, but my grandma thinks its a great
Idea. Thanks for link, too! I'm thinking 1lb per person, and about 15-20 mins per pound.

I love to have my family around me, and like it even more when I can host them.
 
Cooking a turkey is pretty easy.

I've baked, and prefer to smoke them.

Two suggestions?

One, if you purchase a frozen bird - give yourself plenty of time for it to thaw. I've bought them the weekend before, and still had them solid after 3 days in the refrigerator. Don't be afraid to get one, just give it plenty of time to thaw. I've left them in the sink overnight and they finally thawed that way - although a lot of sources say no to this.

Two, give yourself plenty of time to cook it. Any method, except frying (not suggested for your first time) will take several hours. If you are planning on a late lunch meal (1-2PM) you will probably need to get started early (6AM or so) the morning of.

Do it!!!!!! Leftovers are the main reason for turkey dinner IMO ...
 
I've never actually cooked a turkey, but I was given one as a gift. Mother Squirrel cooked it when my parents visited. Even lacking good turkey-cooking equipment, she really just put it in the oven and everything just worked.
 
^^^ thank you!!!

I'll not be frying it - I don't like to fry especially deep frying. It scares me. LOL


Though, I may not be having it here anyway, after this afternoon. I don't know what we'll do. All I have to say is, I was reminded why I moved out at 19. My mother and I love each other very much, but do not get along. At all.
 
MrsB said:
^^^ thank you!!!

I'll not be frying it - I don't like to fry especially deep frying. It scares me. LOL


Though, I may not be having it here anyway, after this afternoon. I don't know what we'll do. All I have to say is, I was reminded why I moved out at 19. My mother and I love each other very much, but do not get along. At all.
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:(
 
stradial said:
MrsB said:
^^^ thank you!!!

I'll not be frying it - I don't like to fry especially deep frying. It scares me. LOL


Though, I may not be having it here anyway, after this afternoon. I don't know what we'll do. All I have to say is, I was reminded why I moved out at 19. My mother and I love each other very much, but do not get along. At all.
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:(
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:( here, too. I don't know your mother from Adam's housecat, but I lean towards thinking there's something wrong with a body who doesn't get along with someone as nice as you. :love
 
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