making the turkey for the first time

HELP!!!
My dad is hosting Thanksgiving this year but was going to have it catered to make it easy on everyone.
My sister and I decided we wanted to try to make the turkey this year.

I am getting a recipe from my boss' wife (she is a retired home-ec teacher and an amazing cook). I just need to know the basics about buying a turkey, prepping the turkey, etc. All of those fun things no one ever told you before.

Thanks.

Re: making the turkey for the first time

The most important thing I can tell you is to make sure you take the package of giblets, etc. out of the turkey before you cook it. I forgot one year - LOL

I buy a turkey with a pop-up timer so time wise, it kinda figures itself out.

I always wash the turkey and then dry it. Then I put some olive oil on it, and then whatever spices I want to use. I also stick on onion in the cavity - why, I don't know.

That's all I have - Hope it helps!

Re: making the turkey for the first time

How many people will you have? That determines how big you need to get.

Prepping it is so easy. Make sure your sink is clean and open it in the sink so all the juices go down the drain. (Just remember to clean your sink again when you're done.) The neck will be shoved into the cavity as well as the bag of giblets. If you don't plan to make gravy using these, then throw them in the trash. Otherwise, set them aside in a separate bowl. Rinse the turkey completely and put it into your roasting pan. Follow the directions from your boss's wife's recipe. I always put foil on the wings and the tips of the legs because they burn easily since the turkey is in the oven for so long. All turkey packaging tells you how long it needs to be in the oven based on the weight. If you're stuffing the turkey, it takes longer time.

Re: making the turkey for the first time

As far as seasoning goes - I usually put a cut up onion and a few cut up apples in the cavity. I make a paste out of room temperature butter/olive oil and poultry seasoning and rub the mixture under the skin that's on the breast. Be careful when doing this not to put a hole in the skin. Whatever is left over of the paste I slather all over the entire turkey - sometimes I have to make more if it's a big bird.

I tent foil over the breast/legs for awhile and take it off 1/2 way through cooking.

Keep basting too.

Re: making the turkey for the first time

I am making turkey for the first time as well. I bought oven bags and so i'm gonna see how that turns out. basically all they say to do is throw flour in the bag along with celery and onions, brush w/ oil.. put the turkey in the bag and bake. doesn't seem that hard but we'll see!

ETA: they say you should buy at least one pound per person of turkey

Message edited 11/9/2010 2:02:29 PM.

Re: making the turkey for the first time

the best advice I can give you is to buy a fresh turkey not frozen.

the other posters have given you great advice.

I buy an Empire Kosher Fresh Turkey. It's already brined so no need to do that.

Good luck!