It is almost Thanksgiving and for all of us that are able to enjoy the holiday at home, here are a few tips for your Turkey.
Preparation: Thawing – Your frozen turkey is perfectly safe and perfectly inedible! So how do we get it from frozen to cook ready? There are really only three ways. Thaw in the fridge, in cold water or in the microwave (if it will fit).
Thawing in the fridge takes time – about 4-5 hours per pound so you have to do some math and be ready a few days in advance. For example, a 12-pound turkey will take 48-60 hours to thaw that is two to two and half days!
The cold-water method is faster – about 30 minutes per pound so that 12 pounder will thaw in about six hours but it needs to go right in the oven after thawing. It also needs a lot of babysitting; you have to change the water every 30 minutes as well.
If you have a large enough microwave, you can thaw it in there. Follow the manufacturer’s (of the microwave) recommendations. Again, the turkey needs to be cooked immediately after thawing. Parts of the turkey may start cooking during the thawing process and it is not safe to leave it.
Of course Turkey is traditional but not required for Thanksgiving. My family cooks or smokes a turkey breast. Or veggie protein shaped to resemble turkey (we have some vegans and vegetarians in the family). But whatever you have as the main protein course at your Thanksgiving holiday table; I hope you have many family members and friends around the table.
Preparation: Thawing – Your frozen turkey is perfectly safe and perfectly inedible! So how do we get it from frozen to cook ready? There are really only three ways. Thaw in the fridge, in cold water or in the microwave (if it will fit).
Thawing in the fridge takes time – about 4-5 hours per pound so you have to do some math and be ready a few days in advance. For example, a 12-pound turkey will take 48-60 hours to thaw that is two to two and half days!
The cold-water method is faster – about 30 minutes per pound so that 12 pounder will thaw in about six hours but it needs to go right in the oven after thawing. It also needs a lot of babysitting; you have to change the water every 30 minutes as well.
If you have a large enough microwave, you can thaw it in there. Follow the manufacturer’s (of the microwave) recommendations. Again, the turkey needs to be cooked immediately after thawing. Parts of the turkey may start cooking during the thawing process and it is not safe to leave it.
Of course Turkey is traditional but not required for Thanksgiving. My family cooks or smokes a turkey breast. Or veggie protein shaped to resemble turkey (we have some vegans and vegetarians in the family). But whatever you have as the main protein course at your Thanksgiving holiday table; I hope you have many family members and friends around the table.