Just realized Thanksgiving is getting close.....

[UsandThem]

I was just at the store today, and I went ahead and got my turkey and sides.

I know how to make great sides, but the last two years the turkey sucked

I want to bake it in the oven but I need some great tips on making it great.

Anybody here have any? What do you use to season it or baste it with?

 

[Anubis]

get a turkey fryer, pretty damn easy

 

[UsandThem]

I know the deep frying a turkey is the "in thing" right now, but I want to bake it.

Growing up, all my family gatherings had great tasting turkey. However, I can't seem to get it right.

I thought someone here would share their little "secrets".

And no, don't tell me your secret recipe is "stuffing" the turkey

 

[Anubis]

frying makes a better turkey IMO its moister

try putting it in a paper bag that helps

 

[Cobalt]

Time to watch Food Network.

 

[Sandor]

I highly recomend brining the turkey (or getting a Kosher turkey, which is already brined)- the brine allows the bird to absorb water, making it more moist. My favorite is the Cook's Illustrated, but this is pretty close and freely available from Good Eats:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/foo...FOOD_9936_8389,00.html

Also, be sure to use a roasting rack (this allows the air to circulate all around the bird).

 

[Squisher]

Brining the turkey is great but very time consuming.

You can do almost as well by injecting a slightly salted spiced solution into bird before cooking.

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: Squisher
Brining the turkey is great but very time consuming.

You can do almost as well by injecting a slightly salted spiced solution into bird before cooking.

What would that solution consist of?

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: Sandor
I highly recomend brining the turkey (or getting a Kosher turkey, which is already brined)- the brine allows the bird to absorb water, making it more moist. My favorite is the Cook's Illustrated, but this is pretty close and freely available from Good Eats:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/foo...FOOD_9936_8389,00.html

Also, be sure to use a roasting rack (this allows the air to circulate all around the bird).

Sounds good, but I have a 2 and 4 year old that will be bugging me the entire cooking period. I need a reasonably fast and tasty recipe.

 

[Chompman]

Remember, it's stuff or be stuffed.

 

[jadinolf]

I just put mine in a baking bag.

I tend to over cook it but that's a heck of a lot better than not cooked enough.

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: Chompman
Remember, it's stuff or be stuffed.

I'd have a tough time explaining that to the kids

 

[IGBT]

...haven't tried it yet but I hear BBQ turkey is good..

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: UsandThem

Originally posted by: Squisher
Brining the turkey is great but very time consuming.

You can do almost as well by injecting a slightly salted spiced solution into bird before cooking.

What would that solution consist of?

typical solution, but I've never used tabasco, If you've got powdered tyme you can use that too.

 

[cherrytwist]

My wife has been making turkey for the family for the last 6 years (we've been together 7 years).

She uses fresh herbs and lots of butter.

If you want details, PM me and I'll ask her.

 

[Wahsapa]

Originally posted by: jadinolf
I just put mine in a baking bag.

I tend to over cook it but that's a heck of a lot better than not cooked enough.

i second the baking bag...
:thumbsup:

and besure to make the stuffing IN the turkey... stuffings not stuffing if its not cooked in the turkey

 

[whoiswes]

another vote for brining...it's really not as difficult as it sounds, and if you do it the night before (let it soak overnight) then the amount of work is minimal.

i have a whole slew of thanksgiving recipes (at least six different sides, most fairly easy to prepare) - if you want any, PM me.

 

[KC5AV]

One thing to keep in mind is that you have to baste it on a regular basis, or it will get dry. My mom always puts melted butter with salt and pepper on it, and it tastes wonderful. I'm going to try frying one this year, simply because it will be done so much faster.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Wahsapa

Originally posted by: jadinolf
I just put mine in a baking bag.

I tend to over cook it but that's a heck of a lot better than not cooked enough.

i second the baking bag...
:thumbsup:

and besure to make the stuffing IN the turkey... stuffings not stuffing if its not cooked in the turkey

good way to get avian flu :thumbsup: