Cooking turkeys

[jakejake]

Hey gang, I'm cooking turkey tomorrow. Any tips? Side dish? Post your recipes.

 

[TheHoff]

Use a kosher bird if possible or brine it, 1 cup of table salt or 1.5c kosher salt per gallon, 5 or 6 hours.

 

[whodini]

I'm Tony Chachere'ing my bird. Cajun butter injections, baby!

If only I had Turducken...

 

[Rambo]

Originally Posted by TheHoff

Use a kosher bird if possible or brine it, 1 cup of table salt or 1.5c kosher salt per gallon, 5 or 6 hours.
The best way to fly, hands down. I usually soak mine overnight to 24 hours depending on how much time I have. Obviously the OP isn't going to be able to swing that so 6 should suffice. If you do try this, remember to rinse and dry the bird thoroughly. I can't stress that enough. You don't want salt water in the cavity of the bird you're roasting.

 

[Huntsman]

And don't cook the bird long and slow. Any cooler than 325F is a bad idea.

 

[DNW]

4 hours on 250, the last 2-3 on 375. Put bacon on the breast for the last hour to keep it moist. Take it out when the internal temp reaches 165. Let it rest for about 45 minutes before carving. Eat and enjoy.

 

[philosophe]

Definitely let the bird rest for 30-40 min before carving. Check out the NY Times website for a great article on how to carve the bird:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/21/di...ng&oref=slogin

Re sides, if it's not too late to shop or you happen to have some, try brussell sprouts sauted w/shallots. Slice the sprouts in half and blanch them. Blanching is a key step for flavor and texture in the final dish. Slice the shallots and saute them until translucent in plenty of good olive oil or some butter. Add the sprouts, saute for a bit. If they're not fully cooked, cover the pan until they're done. Add good doses of sea salt and pepper.

 

[Fuuma]

So this isn't a thread about picking up women? I never know with you americans and your slang....

 

[RJman]

Originally Posted by Fuuma

So this isn't a thread about picking up women? I never know with you americans and your slang....
Are you not having turkey today?