Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe

                                                 Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe



Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe Cooking Tips

The Thanksgiving dinner goes beyond the boundaries of a potluck dinner. Nothing is
left to luck. The meal is a rich reminder of our roots. The foods tend to be traditional, with
the host usually supplying the turkey and guests contributing interesting side dishes
and desserts. Although variations of the classic dishes are allowed, certain key ingredients
must be included in the traditional Thanksgiving menu. The obligatory ingredients
are cranberries, sweet potatoes and pumpkin.
Allow 1 pound of turkey per serving when you purchase your turkey. If you select a
frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Then proceed with the recipe. It
will take 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw. For quick thawing, place in the
sink and cover with cold water. Change water frequently and allow 30 minutes per
pound of turkey for thawing. Remove neck and giblets from cavities. Rinse turkey with
cold water; drain and pat dry with paper towels. Stuff neck cavity loosely with your
favorite stuffing. Fasten neck skin with a skewer. Stuff body cavity loosely. Return legs
to hock lock or cross drumsticks and tie together. Turn wing tips onto back of turkey.
Place, breast-side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan or roaster. Brush entire bird
with oil. Cover loosely with a "tent" of light-weight foil, or roast bird without foil until
desired browness, then cover with foil tent. Roast in a 325F (165C) oven until a meat
thermometer, inserted in the thigh registers 180F (80C).
Remove turkey to a large, warm, serving platter; cover loosely with foil. Skim fat from
pan juices. Pour juices into a jug; you should have about 4 cups. Set roasting pan over 2
burners on stove. Slowly stir and brown 1/2 cup flour in pan over low to medium heat.
Gradually whisk in pan juices, stirring constantly, until gravy is thickened and smooth.
Add salt and pepper to taste and cream, if desired. If gravy has lumps, process briefly in
a blender Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe.

Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe Ingredients

Approximate Roasting Time in a 325F (165C) Oven
Ready-to-cook Weight Approximate Cooking Time
6 to 8 pounds 2-1/2 to 3 hours
8 to 12 pounds 3 to 3-1/2 hours
12 to 16 pounds 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours
16 to 20 pounds 4-1/4 to 5 hours
20 to 24 pounds 5 to 6 hours