User Comments

1. 

   7 days ago

   legbamel

   If you're serving sweet potatoes, do something other than the "syrup and marshmallows" thing. That's been done to death. I stunned my parents the first time I cooked T-giving dinner for them by mashing the sweet potatoes with a little salt and butter. My mother had never realized that you could buy raw ones and didn't have to use the gelatinous lumps from a can. That's my big tip. The turkey's actually the easiest part, as long as you remember to tent it with foil, so that it doesn't dry out, and baste it often.

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2. 

   7 days ago

   bettieblogger

   First off, if this is your first turkey here is a chart for you to follow as far as weight and how long to cook goes.
   
   8 to 12 lbs: 2 3/4 to 3 hrs
   12 to 14 lbs: 3 to 3 3/4 hrs
   14 to 18 lbs: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hrs
   18 to 20 lbs: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hrs
   20 to 24 lbs: 4 1/2 to 5 hrs
   
   *the oven temp should be 375 F
   
   I like to cook mine in a foiled roasting pan with about 2-3 inches of water in the bottom ( really helps to keep the meat moist).
   
   prep: rub some butter/marg or some oil if you prefer on the turkey prior to cooking.
   
   As for spices, I like to use:
   
   salt
   pepper
   garlic
   rosemary
   sage
   
   just don't overspice at first .. you can always add a little more later on if you like. I usually buy a 15 lb turkey and cook it for 4 1/2 - 5 hours and baste it really well about every 45 minutes. The last hour of cook time I take the foil off and baste at least twice during that time to really keep the skin tender and from drying out.
   
   I also do my stuffing seperately so that it cooks properly and doesn't get too lumpy. For the gravy, I just use the drippings, add a little water if needed and some Bisto gravy mix/browner.
   
   Best of luck and be sure to post a pic if you can!

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3. 

   6 days ago

   rgoolsby

   For me it is the brocolli casserole and other type side dishes that make the meal. And we in the South like corn bread dressing as opposed to stuffing! Good luck with your outlaws!

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4. 

   6 days ago

   amybyrd21

   Just let me know what you are looking for excatly ahd I can help. I collect recipes and have been cooking since I was 11. I cook every year for thanksgiving.

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5. 

   6 days ago

   savvy2

   Do dress rehearsals for the side dishes. As a non-cook, I'm embarrassed to say the only dish I have been allowed to contribute to a Thanksgiving meal has been the cranberries. The first time, I cooked them beforehand to test the recipe. Combined with sugar, cinnamon, cloves and orange zest, they turned out okay, but even better the second time around.

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6. 

   6 days ago

   Soirette

   If you buy a frozen turkey, defrost it in the fridge - it's much safer. You have to give it lots of time to defrost, too.
   There are many sites that give charts and info; here's one
   wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_do_you_defrost_a_frozen_turkey_in_the_refrigera...
   
   Happy eating!

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7. 

   6 days ago

   crazyTsu

   I would assume the bird is already dead, so what're u worried for now?
   Some here would rather screw it when alive

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