So, youÕve got your sides and desserts, now itÕs time to tackle the bird! Follow these tips to ensure you cook the perfect turkey this Thanksgiving.
1. Thaw your turkey in less time using cold water.
Make sure your turkey is in a leak-proof packaging or put it in a sealed bag. This prevents bacteria in the surrounding environment from being introduced into the food, and prevents the poultry tissues from absorbing water. Change the cold water every 30 minutes. Approximately 30 minutes per pound of turkey are required for thawing. After thawing in cold water, the turkey should be cooked immediately.
READ MORE: How To Save Money By Shopping In Bulk In Wilmington For The Holidays
2. Thaw your turkey in the fridge and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days to have your turkey ready to cook when you are.
This is the longest method for thawing a turkey, but is convenient because the turkey doesnÕt have to be cooked immediately after thawing. Keep the turkey wrapped and place it in a pan. Let it stand in the refrigerator roughly 4 hours for each 5 pounds. Large turkeys should stand in the refrigerator for a maximum of 5 days. The giblets and neck, which are customarily packed in the neck and body cavities of frozen turkeys, may be removed from the birds near the end of the thawing period. If desired, the giblets and neck may be refrigerated and reserved for use in the giblet gravy.
3. Use this awesome chart to easily calculate cook time for your turkey.
4. Wait 20 minutes before cutting for easier carving.
For most cuts of meat, waiting 10 minutes is an acceptable time to allow cooling before cutting. A giant 20 pound turkey, however, will take longer to cool and will require more time to rest before carving. This gives enough time for the juices to set which will help the turkey to carve more easily.
5. Buy an organic, all natural, farm raised turkey for superior taste.
Many Thanksgiving partakers today have never tasted a real turkey. TheyÕve had plenty of the factory raised variety, but it doesnÕt compare to a truly natural turkey. Try a turkey additives, antibiotics, never frozen, and never fed animal by-products. These turkeys grow slowly, the way nature intended, without hormones, stimulants, or antibiotics. Natural turkeys also arenÕt as expensive as you might think.
Once a year, Tidal Creek Co-op gets a shipment of a variety of organic, all natural, and local turkeys. Our turkeys are of equal or better quality and are cheaper than Whole FoodsÕ turkeys (one of the only other sellers of organic turkeys in Wilmington), saving you up to $10 dollars per bird.
For a list of the Tidal CreekÕs turkey types and prices, click here.
Now youÕre ready to cook your bird! For some of us, however, this instruction is not enough. Fear not, turkey lover, this step-by-step turkey preparation graphic will easily take you through the entire process. Click here for your step-by-step turkey cooking guide.
For all your other Thanksgiving needs (especially gluten-free and vegan needs), check out our 2014 Thanksgiving Dessert Menu. WeÕre whipping up all the classic Thanksgiving desserts, and you can even get them gluten-free, vegan, or both! They are still taking orders for pies and baked goods while supplies last. You can see the Thanksgiving menu form here. Need Thanksgiving catering in Wilmington? Or any kind of holiday catering in Wilmington? Call or stop by the Co-op anytime to talk to our chef about the fresh, seasonal catering offerings!
Tidal Creek will be one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in Wilmington from 8 am – 2 pm. WeÕre here for all your last minute Thanksgiving needs. WeÕre even serving your favorites on the Hot Bar! Brunch will be served from 8 am to 11 am. Thanksgiving dinner staples will be served from 11 am until close. Feel free to stop by and enjoy the festive foods!